Palden Tenpai Nyima, 7th Panchen Lama

Lobsang Palden Yeshe, the previous Panchen Lama, died from smallpox in Beijing in 1780.

His brother Shamarpa, who was acting as regent, wrote to the British Governor of India, Warren Hastings, in 1782 to say that a new incarnation had been found.[1][who?]

[9][10] In 1844, the 7th Panchen Lama had a summer palace built about 1 km south of Tashilhunpo Monastery containing 2 chapels in walled gardens.

Monks from Sera Monastery kidnapped three secretaries from the Regent's government to guarantee his welfare, which resulted in a national emergency.

However, he only accepted that role for a short period, handing over the regency to Rva-dreng Nga-wang Ye-she Tsul-trim in 1845.