By The Sampadak Express
In a surprising turn of events, Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of the Kinnar Akhada, has expelled former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from the Akhada. The decision comes amid controversy over Kulkarni’s appointment to the prestigious position of Mahamandaleshwar, a move that has drawn widespread criticism.
The controversy began when Tripathi appointed Mamta Kulkarni, known for her past in Bollywood and controversial history, as Mahamandaleshwar. The appointment, made without the founder’s consent, has sparked anger within the community, especially given Kulkarni’s criminal history. Tripathi’s decision to appoint her has raised ethical and spiritual concerns, with many questioning the choice of such a person for a revered position in the religious community.
In a press release dated January 30, 2025, Rishi Ajay Das made it clear that he was relieving Acharya Tripathi of his duties as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada. He stated that Tripathi’s appointment was aimed at uplifting the transgender community but lamented that it strayed from the Akhada’s core religious duties. The founder further claimed that Tripathi had acted without his consent, particularly regarding a 2019 agreement with Juna Akhada, which Ajay Das argues was legally invalid.
Ajay Das expressed his disapproval of Tripathi’s actions, specifically regarding the appointment of Mamta Kulkarni, who has a criminal record linked to drug-related offenses. “By giving such a person the title of Mahamandaleshwar, what kind of guru are you offering to Sanatan Dharma? This is a matter of ethics,” he wrote, condemning the appointment as a betrayal of the Akhada’s religious values.
The expulsion has ignited heated debates within the spiritual community. Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, has come out in defense of Tripathi and Kulkarni, challenging the legitimacy of Ajay Das’s decision. “Who is Rishi Ajay Das to expel Laxmi Narayan Tripathi?” Puri questioned, asserting that both Tripathi and Kulkarni would continue their roles within the Akhada and take part in the upcoming Amrit Snan.
The controversy surrounding Kulkarni’s appointment started when Acharya Tripathi publicly announced her as Mahamandaleshwar during the Maha Kumbh. Kulkarni, who had faded from the public eye in the early 2000s, made a return to India and was granted the title, which has now become a subject of intense scrutiny.
Earlier, transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa had raised concerns about Kulkarni’s credibility, citing her past criminal involvement. “Mamta Kulkarni has been made Mahamandaleshwar for publicity. Society is well aware of her past, including her jail time in connection with drug cases. This appointment needs further investigation,” she stated.
The fallout from this decision continues to divide the religious community, with many questioning the integrity of both the Akhada’s leadership and the spiritual values it stands for.
