5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso

Timeline

1. 1617–1625Chökorgyal, Tashi Tsé · ChökorgyalBorn into an aristocratic family in the Chökorgyal valley; his father Dudul Röldan had been arrested for opposing the Tsangpa Khan. Sonam Chöphel and others secretly drew lots at Reting Monastery to identify him as the 4th Dalai Lama's reincarnation, then brought him to Drepung Monastery, where the 4th Panchen gave him novice ordination and the dharma name Lobsang Gyatso.
2. 1625–1641Drepung Monastery · LhasaCompleted Gelug monastic education at Drepung and Lhasa while also studying Nyingma teachings. Received bhikshu ordination at the Jokhang in 1638, with "Ngawang" prefixed to his dharma name. At this time Ü-Tsang was still dominated by the Tsangpa Khan, and the Gelug sought Oirat military support.
3. 1642–1645Shigatse, Samdrubtsé · ShigatseAfter Güshi Khan destroyed the Tsangpa Khan, he granted the 5th Dalai Lama political and religious authority over Ü-Tsang and Kham at Tashilhunpo. He declared Lhasa the capital, named the government Ganden Phodrang, appointed the Desi, and issued decrees; the Gelug thereby gained dominance over the Tibetan Plateau.
4. 1645–1653Potala Palace · LhasaFrom 1645 he rebuilt the Tibetan royal palace on the Red Hill into the Potala Palace as the seat of political and religious authority. He set out from Lhasa in the ninth year of Shunzhi's reign, arrived in Beijing in the tenth year, and exchanged titles with the Shunzhi Emperor, establishing the patron-priest relationship between the Qing court and the Dalai lineage, then returned to Tibet.
5. 1653–1682Lhasa · LhasaAfter returning to Tibet he continued to regulate monasteries and local administration centered on Lhasa, confirmed the Panchen reincarnation and the system of residence at Tashilhunpo, and wrote works such as the Record of Tibetan Kings and Ministers. He passed away in 1682; Desi Sangye Gyatso concealed the death to await the Potala's completion and stabilize surrounding conditions.