Dhirendra Shastri questions Mamta Kulkarni's appointment as Mahamandaleshwar at Maha Kumbh amidst 'publicity stunt' allegations

Peethadheeshwar Pandit Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham has expressed his reservations over the appointment of former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara during the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Taking a holy dip on Sunday, Shastri questioned the credibility of the decision and suggested that such titles should only be awarded to those with a true saintly spirit.
"How can someone be made a saint or Mahamandaleshwar under external influence?" Shastri remarked according to a report on Zee News. He added, "We ourselves have not been able to become Mahamandaleshwar till now."

Previously, transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa also criticized Kulkarni's appointment. In a statement to ANI, she alleged that the Kinnar Akhara made the decision for "publicity", citing Kulkarni’s controversial past, including alleged involvement in drug cases.
“Mamta Kulkarni has been made Mahamandaleshwar by the Kinnar Akhara for publicity. Society knows her past very well. Suddenly, she arrives in India, participates in the Maha Kumbh, and is given the position of Mahamandaleshwar. This needs investigation,” Himangi said.
She questioned the ethical implications of the appointment, asking, “What kind of guru are you offering to Sanatan Dharma?”

Kulkarni, who performed 'pind daan' at Sangam Ghat during the Maha Kumbh, defended herself amidst the allegations, saying, “This was the order of Mahadev, Maha Kaali, and my Guru. They chose this day. I didn’t do anything.”
The former actress renounced worldly life and adopted the name Mai Mamta Nand Giri after taking sanyas in the Kinnar Akhara. The Uttar Pradesh government released a statement acknowledging her initiation and pattabhishek (consecration ceremony), which marked her transition into spiritual life. Kulkarni took a dip in the sacred waters of the Sangam and expressed gratitude for being part of the holy Maha Kumbh.
She revealed that her spiritual journey began 23 years ago under the guidance of Guru Shri Chaitanya Gagan Giri at the Kupoli Ashram, and her sanyas at the Kumbh is the culmination of her path. Despite the criticism, Kulkarni said, “It is my good fortune to witness this holy moment of Maha Kumbh and receive the blessings of saints.”

Mahant Balak Das, the Peethadhishwar of Patalpuri Math, said, "The process of becoming a Mahamandaleshwar is very simple. There are 13 akharas, each have unique rules but the central value of service remains paramount."