Fri Jan 24 19:30:00 IST 2025: ## Bollywood Actress Mamta Kulkarni Becomes Mahamandaleshwar at Kumbh Mela
**Prayagraj, India** – Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has been initiated as a Mahamandaleshwar (a high-ranking spiritual leader) in the Kinnar Akhara (a monastic order for transgender people) at the ongoing Kumbh Mela. The ceremony, which took place Friday, followed her performing the ritualistic Sangam Snan (holy bath) and Pind Daan (ancestor worship).
Kulkarni, who arrived at the Kumbh Mela a day earlier, will now be known as Yamai Mamta Nand Giri. She attributed her decision to become a Mahamandaleshwar to the divine command of Goddess Kali, stating she’d been undertaking spiritual practices since 2000 under the tutelage of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi, whom she considers her spiritual guru. She underwent a rigorous examination process to prove her spiritual devotion before receiving the title.
Addressing concerns about her past and potential backlash from fans, Kulkarni stated that she is no longer returning to Bollywood, citing the will of Goddess Kali and Mahakal (Lord Shiva) as her guiding force.
A Kinnar Akhara Sadhvi (nun) emphasized that the order welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and religions, regardless of their previous professions, based on the belief in the inherent divinity within everyone. She dismissed past rumors linking Kulkarni to the underworld as mere speculation, affirming her commitment to promoting Sanātana Dharma (Hinduism).
First Piper 