Amid Mahamandaleshwar Controversy, Mamta Kulkarni Hits Back at Bageshwar Baba: “Jitni unki umar hai utne saal maine tapasya ki hai.”
Amid Mahamandaleshwar Controversy, Mamta Kulkarni Hits Back at Bageshwar Baba: "Jitni unki umar hai utne saal maine tapasya ki hai."
Recently, Mamta Kulkarni, a well-known actress from the 90s, has gained significant attention on social media. She was awarded the title of Mahamandaleshwar by the Kinnar Akhada during the Mahakumbh 2025, which sparked backlash from several spiritual leaders, including Ramdev and Bageshwar Dham, who strongly opposed her receiving this honor. The criticism directed at her was quite intense, and just a week later, she lost her title. Following this, Mamta appeared on Rajat Sharma’s show “Aapki Adalat” to address the accusations against her, providing a firm rebuttal to her critics.
When Rajat Sharma questioned her about Baba Ramdev’s remark that “no one can achieve saintliness in a day” and his concerns about the ease of being named Mahamandaleshwar, Mamta responded by urging Ramdev to “fear Mahakal and Mahakali.”
Bageshwar Dham also criticized the actress, questioning how she could be recognized as a saint at just 25 years old and opposing Mamta Kulkarni’s designation as Mahamandaleshwar. He stated, “No one should be made Mahamandaleshwar due to outside influences. This title should only go to someone whose inner being truly reflects that of a saint or saintess.” Mamta strongly defended herself during her appearance on “Aapki Adalat.”
In her response, she pointed out the age factor, saying, ‘Jitni unki umar hai utne saal maine tapasya ki hai.’ (I have done penance for as long as Dhirendra Shastri, also known as Bageshwar Dham, has lived (25 years)). I suggest he ask his guru about me and then keep quiet.” There were claims that she had paid 10 crores to receive the title of Mahamandaleshwar. In response, she clarified that she does not have 10 crores, or even 1 crore, and mentioned that she had gifted 2 lakhs to her guru, as all her bank accounts have been frozen.
Mamta Kulkarni stated that she never aspired to become a Mahamandaleshwar. Reflecting on her path to becoming a Sadhvi, she revealed that she hasn’t watched any adult films in the last 23 years. She explained that her decision to accept the title of Mahamandaleshwar was influenced by Acharya Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from the Kinnar Akhara, indicating that it was not a choice she made freely.
