Gangtok:10th April:The reincarnation of the revered 4th Dodrupchen Rinpoche, Jigme Thupten Trinley Palzangpo, has been officially confirmed following a ceremony held on April 5, 2026, at Dodrupchen Monastery in Tibet.
According to an official letter issued by the monastery after the ceremony, the young reincarnation (Yangsi), identified as H.E. Zhonnu Donkun Drubpa Rinpoche, was formally received through traditional rituals, including the offering of Khata (ceremonial silk scarves), Mandala offerings, and auspicious welcome prayers (Tashi Shokpa). The announcement of the reincarnation had earlier been made in mid-March, with the formal confirmation circulated following the completion of the ceremony.
Monastic sources indicated that the reincarnation was initially recognized at Ser Tengye Monastery before being invited to Tibet, where the formal reception took place. Officials from Chorten Monastery in Gangtok confirmed that the announcement is authentic and in line with established religious practices. They further stated that the reincarnated Rinpoche was brought from his birthplace to the Tibetan monastery, where the ceremonial rites were conducted.
The late Rinpoche had made Gangtok his permanent residence after arriving in 1957 and established Chorten Monastery at Deorali, where he spent his later years and passed away in 2022. Monastery officials also described Chorten Monastery as the second seat of the Dodrupchen lineage, while the monastery in Tibet remains the principal seat.
The recognition comes more than four years after the passing of the previous Rinpoche, marking a significant continuation of the lineage. The development has been welcomed with devotion by followers in Sikkim and across the Himalayan Buddhist community, symbolizing the continuation of an important spiritual tradition.
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