I Resigned from the Post, Will Continue as a Sadhvi

Mamta Kulkarni has resigned from her position. On Monday, she shared a video on social media announcing her decision. Her resignation comes amid conflicts between Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi and Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhada, over her appointment.

"I, (Mahamandaleshwar Mamta Nandgiri), have resigned from my position. It is not right for two groups to fight over my appointment. I have been a Sadhvi for 25 years, and I will continue to be one. The dispute over my appointment as Mahamandaleshwar is unnecessary. I left Bollywood 25 years ago and have stayed away from everything since then. I have seen people react in various ways about me. Whether it’s Shankaracharya or someone else, some might find my appointment controversial. But I don’t need to go to Kailash or Manasarovar—after 25 years of penance, the universe is right in front of my eyes," Mamta Kulkarni stated in the video.

Many Akhada saints had strongly opposed Mamta Kulkarni’s appointment as Mahamandaleshwar, prompting Rishi Ajay Das to take action. He dismissed both Mamta Kulkarni and Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from their positions. However, Ajay Das’s decision itself sparked controversy, with mixed reactions emerging. Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi objected to his removal, questioning how Ajay Das, who was expelled from the Akhada in 2017, had the authority to remove him from the position.