From Actress to Sadhvi: Mamta Kulkarni Takes Sanyas and Becomes Mai Mamta Nand Giri at Maha Kumbh
From Actress to Sadhvi: Mamta Kulkarni Takes Sanyas and Becomes Mai Mamta Nand Giri at Maha Kumbh
Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress and model, has returned to Mumbai after a 25-year hiatus and is embarking on a spiritual journey during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. After enchanting her fans and film audiences with her diverse performances, she took a momentous step on January 24, 2025, by renouncing her worldly life and embracing a new identity as ‘Mai Mamta Nand Giri,’ as stated by the Uttar Pradesh government.
According to the UP government, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, Kulkarni first embraced ‘sanyas’ in the Kinnar Akhara, where she received her new name. Following the ‘Pind Daan’ ceremony, the Kinnar Akhara conducted her pattabhishek, which is a consecration ceremony.
Kulkarni, who is 52 years old, arrived at the Kinnar Akhara during the Maha Kumbh on January 24, 2025. There, she met Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of the Kinnar Akhara and received his blessings. She also had an audience with Mahant Ravindra Puri, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP). Dressed as a ‘sadhvi,’ Mamta took a ceremonial dip in the sacred waters of the Sangam.
Following her initiation into sanyas and the pattabhishek ceremony, she expressed her gratitude, stating that it was “my good fortune that I am also becoming a witness in this holy moment of Maha Kumbh.” She mentioned that she was receiving blessings from the saints and noted that she had previously taken initiation (‘Deeksha) from Guru Shri Chaitanya Gagan Giri at Kupoli Ashram 23 years ago, marking her transition into a new life of complete sanyas.
While speaking to reporters, Kulkarni shared, “I began my spiritual practice (‘tapasya’) in the year 2000. I chose Laxmi Narayan Tripathi as my ‘pattaguru’ because today is Friday, which is dedicated to Maha Kaali (Goddess Kaali).
“Preparations were underway yesterday for my elevation to mahamandaleshwar. However, today, Maa Shakti guided me to select Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, as he embodies the ‘saakshaat’ (direct) form of Ardhnaareshwar. What could be a greater honor than having an Ardhnaareshwar preside over my ‘pattabhishek’?” she remarked, noting that she has been in penance for the last 23 years.
Kulkarni mentioned that she had to undergo an evaluation to receive the title of mahamandaleshwar. “I was questioned about what I accomplished in those 23 years. After successfully passing all the evaluations, I was awarded the title of mahamandaleshwar,” she explained.
She expressed her happiness about being there and noted that such planetary alignments occur only once every 144 years. She added that no Maha Kumbh could be as sacred as this one.
When asked about any anger among some seers regarding her ‘Deeksha’, Mamta Kulkarni mentioned that there were indeed some people, including her fans, who were upset and concerned that she might return to Bollywood. However, she expressed her acceptance of whatever the Gods wish, emphasizing the supreme will of Mahakaal and Mahakaali. Mamta Kulkarni shared that she performed the ritual of ‘Pind Daan’ at Sangam.
Kaushalya Nand Giri, also known as Tina Maa from Kinnar Akhara, informed PTI that Mamta performed her own Pind Daan by the Ganges on Friday. Mamta had been linked with Juna Akhara for two years and recently connected with Kinnar Akhara for the past few months. Tripathi confirmed Mamta’s association with Kinnar Akhara and her spiritual journey. Mamta expressed her desire to serve Sanatan Dharm upon her arrival at Maha Kumbh. The seers respected her wish, stating that they do not come between a devotee and the divine. Tripathi mentioned that Mamta has completed the sacred rituals and is set to formally join the akhara soon.
With her induction, Mamta Kulkarni becomes part of the esteemed group of mahamandaleshwars, a title given to spiritual leaders who significantly contribute to religious discussions and social improvement. The grand consecration ceremony is scheduled to occur at the Kinnar Akhara camp, where saints and devotees will witness her initiation into the ascetic order.
Mahant Balak Das, the Peethadhishwar of Patalpuri Math, explained that the process of becoming a mahamandaleshwar is quite straightforward. There are 13 akharas, each with its specific rules, but the core principle of service is always the same. He noted that achieving the title requires 12 years of commitment and spiritual practice.
The process involves daily chanting of Ram Japa 125,000 times and living a life of strict penance, known as Tapomayi Jeevan. The aspirant must adhere to a disciplined routine, allowing only three to four hours of sleep each day. Mahant Balak Das emphasized that the desire to serve is crucial for attaining the title of mahamandaleshwar.
