Tashilhunpo Monastery.[Photo/Files]

The title "Panchen", which is closely related to the Tibetan religion and history, first became known over 300 years ago. The title "Panchen" first appeared in 1645 when Gushri Khan,the Mongolian chief of that time who wielded the real power in Tibet, bestowed Lozang Choskyi Gyaltsen, the 4th disciple of Tsongkhapa, with the title of "Panchen Pokto". He, thereby later became the 4th Panchen Lama. The "Pan" in this case is from the Sanskrit "Pandita", which means "scholar" "Chen" is from the Tibetan "chenpo", which means "great". Together the two words symbolize the "great scholar". The Mongolian word "Pokto", however, refers to intelligent and courageous heroes.

Gushri Khan appointed Lozang Choskyi Gyaltsen to take charge of the Tashilhunpo Monastery and put some regions of rear Tibet under the jurisdiction of Panchen Lama.

The Tsongkhapa’s disciple, Khedrup Je, was conferred by later generations as the 1st Panchen Lama.

Tsongkhapa, the teacher of Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama, was a religious reformist, social activist, and founder of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

In 1713, Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty bestowed the title "Panchen Erdeni" upon Losang Yeshe, the 5th Panchen Lama, and granted him a golden seal and golden album. This consequently established the Panchen Lama’s position as a religious leader in Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Qing central government also granted him with the right to rule parts of Rear Tibet, which covers most part of today's Shigatse Prefecture.

Since the title was conferred by the Qing emperors, the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama has been under the supervision of the central government. After "drawing lots from the golden urn", the soul boys’enthronement must be approved by the central government before the official investitures can take place. Their tonsure, religious names, and choice of teachers must be reported to the central government for ratification. Furthermore, the central government sent envoys to supervise the enthronement ceremonies of the Panchen Lama.