Sat Jan 25 12:38:52 UTC 2025: ## Former Bollywood Actress Mamta Kulkarni Appointed as Mahamandaleshwar
**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh:** Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress, has made headlines after being appointed as a Mahamandaleshwar in the Kinnar Akhada during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on January 24, 2025. The ceremony involved a formal investiture and a Pind Daan ritual at the Sangam.
Kulkarni, who reportedly underwent a rigorous selection process spanning 23 years, explained her appointment, stating that she received divine instruction to accept this role. She was visibly emotional during the ceremony. Following her investiture, she adopted the new name, Shri Yamai Mamta Nand Giri.
The Mahamandaleshwar title is a prestigious designation reserved for Hindu ascetics within the Dashnami Sampradaya, an order dedicated to spreading Sanātana Dharma. The Kinnar Akhada, established in 2015, is dedicated to the inclusion of transgender individuals in spiritual realms.
Lakshmi Narayan, a spokesperson for the Kinnar Akhada, confirmed the appointment, stating that Kulkarni had been involved with the Akhada for the past year and a half. They clarified that the Akhada permits its members to pursue artistic endeavors, including acting.
Kulkarni’s Bollywood career flourished in the 1990s, featuring in numerous successful films. However, her career was later impacted by controversies involving drug trafficker Vicky Goswami. Her new role marks a significant shift in her life and career.
First Piper 