In a transformative moment, former Bollywood actor Mamta Kulkarni renounced her worldly life and embraced spiritual sainthood, assuming the name Mai Mamta Nand Giri. The Uttar Pradesh government announced that the 52-year-old took sanyas during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, joining the Kinnar Akhara, a prominent religious order established by the transgender community in 2018.
Kulkarni’s spiritual journey included performing the ritual of Pind Daan on the banks of the River Ganga, symbolizing the renunciation of material ties and paying homage to her ancestors. Following this, she underwent her pattabhishek (consecration ceremony) amidst Vedic chanting in the Kinnar Akhara.
Mamta Kulkarni was welcomed into the fold by prominent spiritual leaders, including Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Mahamandaleshwar Kaushalya Nand Giri. She also met Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mamta expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is my good fortune to witness and be part of this holy moment during Maha Kumbh.” She revealed that her spiritual journey began 23 years ago when she took deeksha (initiation) from Guru Shri Chaitanya Gagan Giri at Kupoli Ashram.
With her induction into the Kinnar Akhara, Mamta Kulkarni now holds the revered title of mahamandaleshwar, joining the ranks of spiritual leaders dedicated to religious discourse and social upliftment.
This marks a significant chapter in her life, moving from stardom in Bollywood to a path of spiritual devotion and service.
