Rishi Ajay Das Expels Mamta Kulkarni and Laxminarayan Tripathi from Kinnar Akhara in 2025

Rishi Ajay Das Expels Mamta Kulkarni and Laxminarayan Tripathi from Kinnar Akhara In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through spiritual and religious circles, Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of the Kinnar Akhara, announced the expulsion of Mamta Kulkarni and Laxminarayan Tripathi from the organization. The expulsion follows accusations of treason and mismanagement of religious duties, sparking a wider conversation on the sanctity and traditions of the Akhara.

Kinnar Akhara and Its Role in Indian Spirituality

The Kinnar Akhara, one of the most prominent spiritual organizations among the hijra (transgender) community, has a long-standing presence in India’s religious fabric. The Akhara is particularly known for its significant role during the Kumbh Mela and other major religious festivals. The leadership of the Akhara is entrusted with upholding the community’s traditions, maintaining spiritual integrity, and ensuring that its practices reflect the values of Sanatan Dharma.

However, Rishi Ajay Das, in his recent statement, expressed growing concerns about the actions of certain individuals within the Akhara who he believes have undermined these values. The expulsion of Mamta Kulkarni and Laxminarayan Tripathi is seen as a measure to restore the institution’s integrity and address these concerns.

Allegations Against Laxminarayan Tripathi

Laxminarayan Tripathi, a prominent figure within the Kinnar community, was expelled from his role as Mahamandaleshwar due to allegations of deviating from the core duties expected of his position. Rishi Ajay Das accused Tripathi of failing to promote religious practices and the upliftment of the Kinnar community, which were central responsibilities tied to the title.

The allegations further stemmed from an incident during the 2019 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where Tripathi allegedly entered into an agreement with the Juna Akhara without Rishi Ajay Das’s consent. This controversial deal reportedly allowed individuals to join the Akhara without undergoing the necessary rituals of renunciation, leading to concerns about the Akhara’s spiritual integrity.

Rishi Ajay Das expressed deep disapproval, stating, “They are cheating the lovers of Sanatan Dharma and society,” highlighting his belief that such actions were damaging to the Akhara’s sanctity and its role in spiritual guidance.

The Controversy Surrounding Mamta Kulkarni’s Appointment

Mamta Kulkarni’s sudden rise within the Kinnar Akhara as Mahamandaleshwar was met with considerable controversy. Once a popular Bollywood actress in the 1990s, Kulkarni’s public life took a dramatic turn with her involvement in criminal cases, including a major drug trafficking operation. Her involvement in such cases left a mark on her reputation, and her sudden appearance at the Kumbh Mela and subsequent induction into the Akhara raised suspicions.

In 2019, Laxminarayan Tripathi made the announcement that Kulkarni had been named Mahamandaleshwar of the Akhara, where she was to be addressed as Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. This decision was made without consulting Rishi Ajay Das and was done in a manner contrary to the Akhara’s long-established traditions, where such roles typically require a renunciation process. Kulkarni’s past, including her involvement in criminal activities, raised concerns within the community, with many questioning her suitability for such a position.

Backlash from the Kinnar Community

The appointment of Mamta Kulkarni as Mahamandaleshwar has sparked backlash from various factions within the Kinnar community. Prominent transgender activist Himangi Sakhi Maa voiced her opposition to the move, calling it an act of publicity rather than a genuine spiritual appointment. “Society knows her past very well,” said Sakhi Maa. “She was even jailed in the past in connection with drug cases. Suddenly, she arrives in India, participates in the Maha Kumbh, and is given the position of Mahamandaleshwar. This needs investigation.”

The Kinnar Akhara has long been a bastion of spiritual and social empowerment for the transgender community, and many in the community felt that Kulkarni’s appointment did not align with the values upheld by the Akhara. The controversy has put a spotlight on the role of celebrities within spiritual organizations and the extent to which their past actions should influence their spiritual roles.

The Expulsion of Mamta Kulkarni and Laxminarayan Tripathi

Rishi Ajay Das issued a formal statement, officially announcing the expulsion of both Mamta Kulkarni and Laxminarayan Tripathi from the Kinnar Akhara. According to Rishi Ajay Das, their actions had violated the Akhara’s traditions and values. In the statement, he explained, “I have relieved Mahamandaleshwar Laxminarayan Tripathi from his role because he has always strayed from the post for which he was appointed—the need for religious propagation, rituals, and the upliftment of the Kinnar community.”

Furthermore, Das criticized the manner in which Mamta Kulkarni had been inducted into the Akhara, stating, “Instead of making her renunciate, they directly conferred the title and patta of Mahamandaleshwar on her, bypassing all necessary religious traditions.”

Kinnar Akhara’s Future Amidst the Controversy

The expulsion of Mamta Kulkarni and Laxminarayan Tripathi signals a shift in the Kinnar Akhara’s leadership and approach towards maintaining its spiritual integrity. Rishi Ajay Das has expressed his intention to restore the Akhara’s principles by ensuring that future leaders are chosen based on their commitment to the community’s traditions and religious duties.

It remains to be seen how the community and its followers will respond to this dramatic change, especially with the controversy surrounding the role of celebrities in spiritual positions. For now, Rishi Ajay Das’s expulsion of Kulkarni and Tripathi marks a turning point in the history of the Kinnar Akhara, with hopes that the institution will continue to uphold the values of Sanatan Dharma and serve as a beacon of spiritual guidance for the transgender community.

Expulsion of Mamta Kulkarni and Laxminarayan Tripathi Details

This controversy within the Kinnar Akhara marks a pivotal moment in its leadership and practices, as it grapples with upholding its religious values and addressing modern challenges.