Ralpacan indulged in Buddhism religion, leaving all his political affairs to the Banchenpo (Monk Minister) Dranga Palkye Yongten to deal with.
According to traditional accounts, during the first two years of his rule, Langdarma remained a Buddhist, but under the influence of Gyaltore, the king became a follower of Bon.
Langdarma was assassinated by a Buddhist monk named Lhalung Pelgyi Dorje in 842.
Civil war broke out between the two princes which eventually led to the Era of Fragmentation in Tibet.
In Tibetan Buddhist culture, He was said to be the incarnation of Preta with monkey head and tiger ears.