In a major development within the transgender religious community, the Kinnar Akhara, established in 2015 as a recognized religious body, has officially split.
A new faction named the Sanatani Kinnar Akhara has been formed in Prayagraj, marking a significant divide in the community’s spiritual and organizational structure.
Film Actress Mamta Kulkarni’s Appointment Triggered Rift
The conflict began brewing during the recent Mahakumbh when former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni was appointed as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara.
Her rising influence reportedly sparked resentment among a section of the Akhara, who alleged that the decision was imposed without community consensus.
On Monday, Kaushalyanand Giri ‘Teena Maa’, state in-charge of the Kinnar Akhara and member of the Uttar Pradesh Kinnar Welfare Board, announced the creation of the new Sanatani Kinnar Akhara, citing ideological differences and concerns over decision-making practices.
The new Akhara has already been formally registered.
Teena Maa will be ceremonially anointed as the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the newly formed Akhara at a public ceremony in Prayagraj’s Bairahna Durga Puja Park.
Accusations Against Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi
Teena Maa alleged that Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi has been making unilateral decisions and inducting people into the Akhara without proper monastic initiation.
She further accused Tripathi of aligning with controversial individuals, which could harm the reputation and security of the entire Kinnar community.
Teena Maa claimed that “without proper vetting, even those connected to anti-national elements have been included,” implying risks to the Akhara’s integrity.
Indore Incident Added Fuel to the Fire
Another major flashpoint was the October 16 incident in Indore, where a dispute over a religious seat and property escalated between two groups of kinnars.
Several members reportedly consumed phenyl, and a few attempted self-harm with petrol. The faction opposing Tripathi claimed she sided with a particular community group, which deepened the internal divide.
Gorakhpur Event Controversy
Tensions further intensified during a recent event in Gorakhpur, where statements allegedly made by Mamta Kulkarni regarding a mafia figure drew criticism from within the Akhara. This incident reportedly cemented the decision to form a new faction.
Well-Known Leaders Join New Akhara
The new Sanatani Kinnar Akhara has support from prominent figures who earlier distanced themselves from the original body, including:
- Bhavani Maa – Kamakhya Peeth, Delhi (Kinnnar Dham Balgir)
- Gauri Maa – Vishnu Mohini Peeth, Palghar, Maharashtra
(whose life inspired Sushmita Sen’s web-series “Taali”) - Dolly Maa – Venkateshwar Dham, Najafgarh, Delhi
Background: Rise of the Kinnar Akhara
The original Kinnar Akhara was founded during the 2015 Nashik Simhastha Kumbh, with Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi as its spiritual head.
It gained significant social acceptance, especially after it participated in the 2019 Prayagraj Kumbh Devtva Yatra, and later aligned with the Juna Akhara, receiving traditional ritual privileges.
Concern Over Image and Security
Bhavani Maa expressed fear that associating with individuals having alleged links to global criminal networks could tarnish the entire community.
“Tomorrow, if such individuals face legal action or media pressure, the entire kinnar community will be blamed,” she warned.
She emphasized that the goal is spiritual and social upliftment, not associations that could attract controversy.
Bhawani Maa said that she will speak with Mahant Harigiri regarding the Kinnar Akhada’s relationship with the Juna Akhada.
The Kinnar Akhada had formed an alliance with the Juna Akhada in 2019. Now, with the formation of a new akhada, the question arises about which side this akhada will align with.
She clarified that she is a formally initiated Naga saint under Mahant Harigiri, who is her Guru and will always remain so. However, the matter now concerns the entire Kinnar community.
“We aim to unite our community and guide it on the path of Sanatan Dharma. I will speak to Guruji about this, and I am sure he will understand and support us,” she added.
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