Bal Krishna Pokharel (1933–2019) was a Nepalese writer, linguist, historian, and literary critic. He was one of the key person behind the publishing of Nepali Brihat Sabdakosh, a comprehensive Nepali dictionary. Alongside Nepali language, he also wrote in Sanskrit and Magar languages. He wrote multiple fiction, non-fiction and poetry books and was awarded with Madan Puraskar in 1963 for his book Nepali Bhasa Ra Sahitya.

The Madan Puraskar is a literary honor in Nepal which Madan Puraskar Guthi confers annually for an outstanding book in the Nepali language published within the calendar year. It is considered as the most prestigious literature award in Nepal. It is awarded on the day of Ghatasthapana every year alongside Jagadamba Shree Puraskar.