MAMTA KULKARNI BECOMING A MAHAMANDALESHWAR OF KINNER AKHADA SETS OFF A FURORE

90's superstar Mamta Kulkarni grabbed the headlines recently when she was announced as president or 'mahamandaleshwar' of the 'Kinner Akhada' in the on going Maha Kumbh mela of Prayagraj. The news set eye balls and gossip mills rolling and sparked a debate of sorts. There are all kinds of reactions - mostly negative and suspicious. While its not really a bad thing if someone chooses to go on a spiritual path, this incident however has had extreme reactions and questions being raised. Why? Mostly because of the actress's past that involved the terror and drugs mafia. She was supposedly involved with the D-gang ( dawood ibrahim/chota rajan ) and her partner a certain Vicky Goswami, a drug lord who faced 12 years in prison. She was also charged and for a long time was absconding and based in Dubai. It is said, when her partner was in jail, she came closer to spirituality and took various sankalp/tap etc. I personally see nothing wrong if her conscience is clear; because, even the sage Valmiki ( who wrote Ramayana ) was a dreaded dacoit once. And any person can repent and turn a new leaf. And, they should be given that chance. In any case there are so many fraud sadhus and babas roaming around already, so, whats another one in a Mamta Kulkarni, unless she proves otherwise. Maybe, her intentions are really geniune; afterall, after being associated with such a large organisation and under constant media scrutiny there'd be little room to do any hanky panky or mischief. There are doubts and concerns that she might be planted by the d-gang itself to cause trouble in the kumbh, hence, the objections ~ coming specially from another wing of the kinner akhada itself - the vaishnav section.

All these controversies sparked my interest in the various akhadas that exist in India. The Kinner Akhada itself ( a relatively new entrant ), wherein Mamta Kulkarni was announced 'mahamandaleshwar' is not recognised by the main akhadas that has existed for centuries, although, it tags along the famous and largest Juna Akhada ( a shaivite sect ), and has grown prominence in recent times. The Kinner Akhada is mainly for the LGBTQ+ community, so, Mamta Kulkarni being a woman and being part of it at its highest position suddenly, does raise questions. The akhada also says, it gives freedom to the members and donot completely cut them off from the material world and attachments - unlike the main akhadas that are very strict; and where one renounces everything including clothes - like a nagas!





What really are the Akhadas - The present generation are ignorant of the contribution by the akhadas over the centuries. If hinduism being the oldest religion on earth has survived till date, its mainly thanks to these akhadas and they are rightfully deservant of credit, if any. Afterall, imagine lakhs of naked nagas smeared in ashes chasing at you with their trishul, spears and swords - any mughal or british would wet their pants. So, inspite of so many foreign invasions, these akhadas with their armies of warrior sadhus has saved the country and hinduism - sanatan dharm from time to time. Their's are not just spiritual centers but also gives intense training in physical and martial arts. They have a stringent and dedicated lifestyle which they devote solely to the religion and country's well being and defence. They are India's secret weapon ;-) The Peshwai's of the various akhadas at the Kumbh Mela's Shahi or Amrit Snan ( bath ) are the main attraction and focal point of the entire gathering. Only after they bath, the others can. When I read the history of the Akhadas and their selfless contribution, my heart swelled with pride. And, I also felt India and our Sanatan is safe, because of them.

So, coming back to Mamta Kulkarni aka Mai Mamta Nand Giri - lets not judge prematurely. If it was some publicity stunt or has ulterior motives let time and her actions be the ultimate judging factor :-)

( Images - Google )