Phalgunanda

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

Early life
Falgunanda Lingden was born on 10 November 1885 in Ilam district of Nepal.

Career
He is known as Mahaguru (the great teacher), especially among the Limbu, Rai, Sunuwar, Yakhkha, Lohorung, Dhimal, and Jurel Kirat people. He is credited with 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 messages included calling for a ban on animal sacrifice, since it raised social expenditures on celebrations such as births, weddings, and funerals. He also called for the elimination of social orthodoxies and supported running a school for children, especially through their mother tongue.

Beliefs
He believed that education brought knowledge to wash one's heart clean, which he considered was the only key to emancipation. For Falgunanda, emancipation is the Ultimate Truth to realize God. His philosophy features love and non-violence. He built many shrines. He died in 1949.

The Nepal Postal Services Department issued a postal stamp in his honor as part of its Distinguished Personalities Series in 1993. He is the 16th luminary of Nepal.