Mamata Kulkarni Junks Reports Of 'Buying' Mahamandaleshwar Title, Slams Baba Ramdev, Dhirendra Shastri

Mamta Kulkarni's swift rise to spiritual leadership as Mahamandelshwar at the Maha Kumbh Mela has stirred controversy.

After stepping away from the film industry in the early 2000s, Kulkarni's past has come under scrutiny, with well-known spiritual figures like Baba Ramdev and Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham questioning the legitimacy of her title.

During a recent television appearance, Mamta fiercely responded to Ramdev and Shastri.

Reacting to Ramdev's accusations, she said, "What should I even say to Baba Ramdev? He should fear Mahakal and Mahakali."

She then fired back at Bageshwar Dham Baba's comments, stating, "Dhirendra Shastri is just a naive boy. I have meditated for as long as he has been alive-25 years. I suggest he ask his guru about who I am and stay silent."

Additionally, Mamta has been accused of purchasing the title of Mahamandaleshwar for Rs 10 crore.

In response, Mamta denied the claim, stating she doesn't have even Rs 1 crore, let alone Rs 10 crore. She further explained that she had borrowed Rs 2 lakh for her Guru's Dakshina, as all her bank accounts had been frozen.

The recent elevation of Mamta to Mahamandaleshwar has caused a stir, with several religious leaders questioning the validity of the process.

Baba Ramdev also slammed the awarding of the title, stressing that sainthood requires years of disciplined penance, not arbitrary appointments.

Shastri also expressed his opposition, arguing that such titles should be given only to those who genuinely embody the spirit of a saint.

However, Mamta's tenure as Mahamandaleshwar with the Kinnar Akhara during the Mahakumbh 2025 was brief, as she was stripped of the title within a week due to internal disputes within the Akhara.

Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhara, made the decision to remove her, citing that her appointment did not align with the Akhara's traditions.

Das also referenced her controversial past and her association with the film industry.