In a historic first, the ‘Rinchen Tokshu’ — one of the most sacred crowns in Tibetan Buddhism — was displayed publicly today at the Royal Palace Tsuklakhang Monastery in Gangtok during the Mahaparinirvana commemoration of Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo.
The crown, also known as the “Five Jewels Crown,” was first worn by Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) during the consecration of Samye, Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery, in the 8th century. It was later offered by the Fifth Dalai Lama to Sikkim’s first Chogyal, Phuntsog Namgyal, through Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo in 1642 as a sacred empowerment (Tenkyal). Since then, the crown has been preserved by successive generations of Chogyals and is kept at the Tsuklakhang Palace Monastery.
Today’s exhibition marked the first time the sacred relic has been made accessible to the general public. Alongside the Rinchen Tokshu, the ceremonial headdress, boots, and other relics associated with Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo were also on display.
According to Prince Palden Gyurmed Namgyal, who oversaw the arrangements, said, “The decision to exhibit the sacred artefacts was made by Tulku Rinpoche Loday Zangpo for the benefit of the people. In Buddhist tradition, many such objects are kept secret, but this year’s commemoration provided a rare opportunity for devotees and the public to witness them directly”
Prince Namgyal stated that this is the first time the crown and associated relics have been displayed in such a manner. “As earlier viewings were limited to visits by high Lamas and monastic ceremonies”. He noted that the overwhelming response from the public reflected the deep spiritual interest and reverence for Sikkim’s Buddhist heritage.
He further mentioned that while the crown will not be displayed every year, it will be brought out on future Mahaparinirvana commemorations of Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo. The relics will remain on public display until late tonight before being secured once again.
The rare exhibition commemorates the life and legacy of Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo, one of the three revered lamas who consecrated the first Buddhist king Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal at Yuksam in 1642, marking Sikkim’s emergence as the holiest Beyul (hidden land) prophesied by Guru Padmasambhava.
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