In a stunning revelation from Prayagraj, Mamta Kulkarni, the Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara, has hinted at stepping down from her prestigious spiritual position. Speaking exclusively, she described the once-revered title as now resembling a ‘joke’ amid a flood of self-proclaimed gurus.
Kulkarni’s candid interview exposes deep cracks in India’s spiritual establishment. ‘When I delved deeper into this journey, harsh truths emerged,’ she stated. ‘The outer world appears pure and enlightened, but inside, it’s far from it. People declare themselves Mahamandaleshwars or Jagadgurus without true knowledge or self-realization. Donning robes or grabbing titles doesn’t make one a saint.’
Drawing from ancient scriptures, she emphasized authentic wisdom. ‘Vedas and Upanishads teach that memorizing mantras or scriptures isn’t enough. Real knowledge reveals one’s inner truth,’ Kulkarni said, referencing the dialogue between Shvetaketu and his father Uddalaka Rishi, where mastery of the Vedas fell short without self-awareness.
Her experiences paint a grim picture: ‘Out of ten so-called saints, nine were frauds chasing titles and fame.’ This disillusionment has eroded the post’s sanctity, especially as new Mahamandaleshwars emerge daily. She even questioned the Kinnar Akhara’s founder, Rishi Ajay Das, criticizing those lacking basic religious understanding yet preaching from grand platforms and mocking dance and music—elements glorified in traditions like Shiva’s Nataraja form and Krishna’s leelas.
Now contemplating resignation, Kulkarni feels an inner calling to abandon the role. ‘In a sea of fakes, holding such a position loses meaning. Truth needs no robes or titles. A true guru lives humbly, free from ego and pretense.’ Her bold stance challenges the proliferation of spiritual titles and calls for a return to genuine asceticism.