Actor Mamta Kulkarni turns spiritual, becomes Mai Mamta Nand Giri

Actor Mamta Kulkarni turns spiritual, becomes Mai Mamta Nand Giri

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Renowned actress Mamta Kulkarni, known for her remarkable roles in Indian cinema, has chosen a spiritual path by renouncing her worldly life. On Friday, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, she embraced her new identity as ‘Mai Mamta Nand Giri’ after performing sacred rituals at the Kinnar Akhara.

The Uttar Pradesh government confirmed that Mamta Kulkarni officially began her spiritual journey by taking ‘sanyas’ in the Kinnar Akhara. She performed the significant ritual of ‘Pind Daan’ on the banks of the River Ganga and underwent her pattabhishek (consecration ceremony), marking her induction into the spiritual order.

At the age of 52, Kulkarni arrived at the Maha Kumbh adorned in the attire of a sadhvi. She met Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of the Kinnar Akhara, seeking blessings for her new spiritual life. She also connected with Mahant Ravindra Puri, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), and took a ceremonial dip in the sacred waters of the Sangam.

Mahamandaleshwar Kaushalya Nand Giri, also known as Tina Maa, revealed that Kulkarni had been preparing for this transition for several years. On Friday evening, she was consecrated as a mahamandaleshwar, a title given to spiritual leaders who play a vital role in religious discourse and social upliftment.

Reflecting on this profound moment, Kulkarni expressed her gratitude, saying, “It would be my good fortune that I am also becoming a witness in this holy moment of Maha Kumbh.” She described it as a historic and deeply spiritual event, adding, “Such planetary positions are being formed after 144 years. No Maha Kumbh could be as pious as this one.”

Speaking to reporters, Kulkarni shared insights into her journey, which began in 2000. She explained that she chose Laxmi Narayan Tripathi as her pattaguru (spiritual mentor) following divine guidance. She said, “I started my tapasya in 2000. And I chose Laxmi Narayan Tripathi as my pattaguru because today is Friday… it is the day of Maha Kaali (Goddess Kaali). Yesterday, preparations were on to make me a mahamandaleshwar. But today Maa Shakti instructed me that I choose Laxmi Narayan Tripathi because that person is a ‘saakshaat’ (direct) form of Ardhnaareshwar.”

Kulkarni revealed that her induction as mahamandaleshwar was preceded by a thorough examination of her 23 years of spiritual practice, which she successfully passed. “I was asked what did I do in 23 years. When I cleared all the examinations, I got the upaadhi of mahamandaleshwar,” she said.

Despite her spiritual commitment, Kulkarni acknowledged that her decision has sparked mixed reactions. She said, “Several people are angry, my fans are also angry; they feel that I will return to Bollywood. But it is all right. Whatever the Gods wish. No one can supersede the will of Mahakaal and Mahakaali. He is param Brahm.”

Tina Maa highlighted that Kulkarni had been associated with the Juna Akhara for two years before joining the Kinnar Akhara, where she expressed her desire to serve Sanatan Dharma. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi confirmed Kulkarni’s long-standing spiritual journey and her readiness to contribute to the Akhara’s mission.

During a press conference after her consecration, Kulkarni credited Laxmi Narayan Tripathi for recognizing her years of penance and Swami Mahendranand Giri Maharaj for evaluating her dedication. She explained, “Laxmi Narayan Tripathi understood my 23 years of penance, and Swami Mahendranand Giri Maharaj took my test in which I passed. I did not know that I was being tested for the last three days. I got the invitation to be made mahamandaleshwar only yesterday.”

She also elaborated on her decision to join the Kinnar Akhara, saying, “I joined the Kinnar Akhara because it was the madhyam maargi (middle path).”

Reflecting on her film career, Kulkarni said, “I acted in 40-50 films, and when I left the film industry, I had 25 films in hand. I did not take sanyas due to any problem, but to experience the bliss.”

Mamta Kulkarni’s transformation into Mai Mamta Nand Giri marks a significant turning point, as she dedicates her life to spirituality and the service of Sanatan Dharma.


With PTI inputs

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