Ngawang Kunga Sonam, the thirty-sixth Sakya throneholder was born to father Kunga Rinchen, founder of the Phunstok Phodrang, and mother Nyida Wangom. His oldest sister was the great Jetsunma Tamdrin Wangmo Kalzang Chökyi Nyima.

He was recognized as the reincarnation of Jamgön Amezhab Ngawang Kunga Sonam, the twenty-seventh Sakya throneholder, and hence his name. He was also considered as the reincarnation of Padmasaṃbhava’s disciple Nanam Dorje Düjom,Thegchen Chökyi Gyalpo (1349-1425), Dorje Denpa Kunga Namgyal (1432-1496), and his uncle Ngawang Kunga Gyaltsen.

Further Readings:

Brief Biography of Ngawang Kunga Sonam by H.E. Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche