Baba Ramdev Criticises Mamta Kulkarni’s Appointment as Mahamandaleshwar

Baba Ramdev’s Statement on Mamta Kulkarni

Millions of devotees are attending the Kumbh Mela, which occurs once every 144 years. On Friday, Mamta Kulkarni, a former famous Bollywood actress, visited the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. There, she took a dip in the Sangam and announced her renunciation of worldly life. Subsequently, she was appointed Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada. This has sparked controversy. Baba Ramdev has now reacted angrily. Speaking to the media, he said, “Some have become Mahamandaleshvars; adding ‘Baba’ before anyone’s name… Promoting any kind of vulgar acts or reels in the name of Kumbh is not right. The true Kumbh is where one ascends from humanity to divinity, to rishihood, to Brahmatva.”

#WATCH | #MahaKumbh2025 | Pattabhisheka of former actress Mamta Kulkarni performed at Sangam Ghat in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan said that Kinnar akhada is going to make her a Mahamandleshwar. She has been named as Shri Yamai… pic.twitter.com/5hFfFTMe1s

— ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025

Ramdev Explains the Significance of Mahamandaleshwar

Ramdev further stated, “One thing is to feel, live, and promote Sanātana Dharma. Another is to merely utter shallow words in the name of Sanātana Dharma; that is not true Sanātana Dharma. Sanātana Dharma is the eternal truth that cannot be denied. Sainthood cannot be achieved in a day. It requires years of penance. We have spent 50-50 years in achieving this sainthood. This is called sainthood. Being a sadhu is a big deal. Being a Mahamandaleshwar is a very significant position. Nowadays, I see that anyone can be made a Mahamandaleshwar by simply grabbing their head. This should not happen.” It is noteworthy that earlier, the head of Bageshwar Dham Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, also objected to Mamta Kulkarni’s appointment as Mahamandaleshwar.