Mahaguru Phalgunanda (Nepali: महागुरु फाल्गुनन्द) also known as "Mahaguru Phalgunanda" or Phalgunanda Lingden (1885–1949) was a leader of the Kirat religion for the Kirat people of Nepal.
राष्ट्रिय विभूति (National Hero) Mahaguru Phalgunanda Lingden | |
|---|---|
महागुरू फाल्गुनन्द लिङ्देन | |
 | |
| Born | Phalgu Nath Ananda 10 November 1885[1] Ibhang, Dandagaun, Ilam |
| Died | 4 April 1949[2] Imbung (Panchthar) |
| Nationality | Nepali |
| Occupation(s) | Cleric and scholar[3] |
| Known for | Socio-religious reforms |
| Parent | Jaganbaj Lingden & Hangsamati Lingden |
Early life
editFalgunanda Lingden was born on 10 November 1885 in Ilam district of eastern Nepal.
Career
editHe 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.[4] 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
editHe 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 emphasizes love and non-violence. He built many shrines. He died in 1949.[5]
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.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Local governments announce public holiday on Phalgunanda Jayanti".
- ^ P.34 The culture and religion of Limbus By Chaitanya Subba,K.B. Subba, 1995
- ^ Rex Lee Jones, Kinship and Marriage Among the Limbu of Eastern Nepal: A Study in Marriage Stability, University of California, Los Angeles, 1973
- ^ European Bulletin of Himalayan Research, issues 25-28, Südasien Institut, 2004
- ^ Nepal Government, Postal Services Department, Nepal Philatelic Bureau, Kathmandu
- ^ "Kirat Yakthung Chumlung". www.chumlung.org.np. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
 | This Nepalese biographical article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |