Phalgunanda

Mahaguru Phalgunanda (महागुरु फाल्गुनन्द) also known as "Mahaguru Phalgunanda" or Phalgunanda Lingden (1885–1949) was a leader of kirat religion in Nepal Kirat peopleof Nepal.

Phalgunanda Lingden was born in 1885 A.D. in Ilam district, Nepal.

He is known as Mahaguru (the great teacher), especially among the Limbu, Rai, Sunuwar,Yakhkha, Lohorung, Dhimal, Jurel Kirat people. He is credited for the continuation of the ancient Kirat religion on puritan principles, which include vegetarianism, a ban on alcohol, and following Limbu traditions and scripts. He is remembered for his socio-cultural and religious messages. His main message includes calling for a ban on animal sacrifice since this sacrifice (taboo) raises social expenditures on celebrations such as births, weddings and funerals. He also calls for the elimination of social orthodoxies and supports running a school for children, especially through their mother tongue.

He believed education brings in knowledge to wash one's heart clean, which alone is key to emancipation. For Falgunanda, emancipation is the Ultimate Truth to realize God. His philosophy features love and nonviolence. Falgunanda built many shrines. He died in 1949.

Nepal Government, Postal Services Department, Nepal Philatelic Bureau, Kathmandu issued his Postal stamp as part of its Distinguished Personalities Series in 1993. He is the 16th luminary of Nepal.