Beyond the clouds: Exploring Spiti's mystical Key Monastery
Far from the madding crowd lies a beautiful ancient monastery known as
Key Monastery
, set at an altitude of 13,500 ft. The monastery, also known as Ki or Kee Monastery, is among the most iconic sites to visit in Spiti. The place is all about ancient murals and Tibetan architecture. Now over 1000 years old, this monastery invites history lovers, offbeat travelers, and excursionists into a world of serene mysticism and Himalayan wonder.
This monastery is also a spiritual center for monks from across the globe, and it continues to preserve Buddhist teachings and practices. On this note, let's have a closer look at this fascinating monastery:
History
This monastery was founded in the 11th century, and the location was chosen for its spiritual significance and silent ambinece. However, fate had planned something different; during the 17th century, this monastery was invaded by the Mongols. Then ravaged by fire during the 18th century, invaders from Ladakh also tried to attack this monastery. But despite these challenges, this monastery has been rebuilt and restored time and again.
Key Monastery is considered a fortified monastery and serves as a religious training center for lamas of the Gelug sect of
Tibetan Buddhism
.
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Location
Its strategic location on a hilltop above the Spiti River at an altitude of 4,166 m offers both natural defense and spiritual significance. The rough landscape that surrounded the monastery formed a natural fort, allowing it to weather centuries of tests. Also, its distant location in the barren
Spiti Valley
provided monks with an environment in which to remain isolated and practice meditation and spirituality.
Traditionally, the monastery also existed as a cultural melting pot for the exchange of goods and ideas between India, Tibet, and Central Asia, which added to its position as a center of Buddhist teaching and scholarship.
Architecture
This monastery has a unique architecture, which is a multi-tiered structure built on top of each other. It is home to more than 300 monks and serves as an important learning center. Inside the walls of this temple, it houses some of the rarest Thangka paintings and weapons, and all of them are covered with beautiful ancient murals.
Festival
The monastery celebrates the Cham Dance Festival every year which is a significant event for Tibetan Buddhists. It takes place in July at the monastery and features traditional masked dances, depicting good versus evil, and celebrates the triumph of Buddhism. The 14th Dalai Lama has visited and conducted teachings at the monastery, making it a significant spiritual site for Tibetan Buddhists.
How to reach
Although remote, Key Monastery is road-accessible from Kaza, the capital of Spiti, some 12 km away. The drive itself is breathtaking, with twisting roads lined by towering mountains, desolate landscapes, and riverbeds, and is a favorite among adventure travelers, bikers, and seekers of spirituality.
Despite its remote location and difficulties, the monastery attracts curious travellers and spirituality seekers from all over the world.
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