The eight Chiniya Lama, Sherab Dorje, a descendant of the historical Taipo Shing, who was appointed as main Lama of Boudhanath, died in Kathmandu on Sunday. He was 80.

Dorje who headed the Boudha Ghyang Trust, located in Boudhanath. died while undergoing treatment at Kathmandu Hospital on early Sunday morning, according to a family member. He was suffering from minor illness and was taken to the hospital on Saturday night when he complained difficulty in breathing, said Kiran Kumar Lama, son of Chiniya Lama. “He was one of the revered Buddhist leaders and had contributed in spreading peace and teachings of Lord Buddha in the country and beyond,” said Phupu Chemmbe Sherpa, president of Nepal Buddhist Federation.  

According to Kiran, the history of Chiniya Lama heading the Boudhanath dates back to 150-200 years ago. The then Rana prime minister Junga Bahadur Lama had appointed his great grandfather Taipo Shing, who had come to Nepal on a pilgrimage, as the main priest of Boudhanath, one of the seven Unesco World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley.

Since the Junga Bahadur rule, the lineage of Taipo Shing was given the title of Chiniya Lama and given the responsibility of Boudhanath by the rulers and kings until Nepal was declared a republic in 2007.  

“Before Nepal was declared republic, the rulers were directly involved in appointing the Chiniya Lama who was given the title until his death. Now, the term of Chiniya Lama is five years and is renewed every time,” Kiran said, adding, “As per the tradition, the eldest son of the deceased Chiniya Lama is appointed as his successor.”

Final rites of Lama Dorje will be performed at the ancient Rama Dholi Dhuli cemetery located in Teku on Tuesday.