Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev publicly expressed his disapproval on Tuesday regarding the recent anointment of actress Mamta Kulkarni as the Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhara during the ongoing Maha Kumbh festivities. Baba Ramdev questioned the legitimacy of Kulkarni's sudden ascension to sainthood, emphasising that such a revered status cannot be attained overnight. His remarks come after Kulkarni made the unexpected decision to renounce her worldly life and embark on a spiritual journey. As part of her transformation, Kulkarni has adopted a new identity, "Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri," symbolizing her commitment to her newfound spiritual path.

Baba Ramdev's criticism has sparked a debate about the authenticity of Kulkarni's spiritual transformation and the criteria for attaining sainthood within the Kinnar Akhara tradition.

'Inappropriate Behaviour In The Name Of Kumbh': Baba Ramdev

Ramdev told PTI, “The great Kumbh festival of Sanatana, where our roots are connected, is a grand celebration. This is a sacred festival. Some people associate vulgarity, intoxication, and inappropriate behaviour in the name of Kumbh – this is not the true essence of the Maha Kumbh.”

“Some individuals, who were indulged in worldly pleasures just yesterday, suddenly become saints or even attain titles like Mahamandaleshwar in a single day,” noted the Yog guru.

Mamta Kulkarni took a significant step in her spiritual journey on January 24, assuming the role of Mahamandleshwar during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. She told PTI, “I started my penance (‘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. What else can be a bigger title than an Ardhnaareshwar doing my ‘pattabhishek’."

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