Scores of tinseltown celebrities, including his son-in-law Dhanush, and others took to social media to congratulate the 'Lingaa' star.
"#Padmavibhushan for #Thalaivar (leader) #SUPERthrilled #SUPERproud #SUPERday #cantgetbigger," said Dhanush on micro-blogging site Twitter.
Actress Khushbu Sundar, also Congress' National spokesperson, extended her 'heartiest congratulations' to the star.
"Heartiest Congratulations to @superstarrajini on being conferred with #PadmaVibhushan..U rightly deserve it Thalaiva," she wrote on Twitter.
The actor's daughters Aishwarya and Soundarya, Oscar- winning sound designer Resul Pookutty and scores of Rajnikant fans took to Twitter and Facebook to greet him on the occasion.
Meanwhile, reacting to being conferred with the award, Rajnikanth tweeted "Feeling deeply honoured for being awarded the Padma Vibhushan. My heartfelt thanks to my dear fans, well wishers & friends for all the wishes."
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also congratulated Rajnikanth on being conferred the Padma Vibushan.