Great Cao Dai Temple

Cao Dai Temple just outside Tay Ninh

Great Cao Dai Temple (Thanh That Cao Dai) or called Cao Dai Holy See is a large temple, the center of gravity of the Cao Dai sect. Just outside Tay Ninh, Cao Dai temple is very sacred place for the administrative offices, housing complexes, housing for staff, adept, and a hospital of traditional Vietnamese herbal attract people from all over the south for its treatments. It is really an ignored destination for foreign tourists during their trips in Vietnam.

The main gate of Cao Dai Temple
The main gate of Cao Dai Temple

Characteristics of Cao Dai Temple

Tay Ninh temple, also known as the Holy See, or the Holy Temple, started in 1927 and opened in 1955 after years of construction due to delays by the financial problems and politics. Cao Dai Temple is a strange and unique building, a mix of both architectural Asia and Europe; most of its attractions are the vivid colors and the shape of its roof.

The architecture of the Cao Dai Church reflects the syncretic religious precepts, such as 2 Belfries is unique to Christianity. At the top of the front we find the statue of Maitreya Buddha in Lotus position. Shingles in red and pointy roofs are typical of Chinese architecture and Hinduism.

Cao Dai Temple just outside Tay Ninh
Cao Dai Temple just outside Tay Ninh

The size of the Cao Dai Temple is 140 meters long, 40 meters wide and 36 meters high. Runner can be seen on the outside, supported by 112 pillars round. The interior of Cao Dai is decorated by 18 pink columns that the sculptures of dragons and snakes are screwed. The share of the central column of the temple in 9 regions, representing 9 regions make up the Mekong Delta and also 9 caodistas phase until you reach sky.The ceiling is painted sky blue to symbolize and the stars, especially 3072 stars. Around the temple there are many representatives caodista divine eye, which observed the faithful.

Eye of God workship inside Cao Dai Temple
“Eye of God” workship inside Cao Dai Temple

Cao Dai Holy See can be regarded as the headquarters of the Christian Vatican, occupying an area of 100 hectares. The entire complex is surrounded by a protective barrier complex, with 12 gates. The largest of all the doors normally closed and only opened to make way for the leaders and workers.

Tour and visit to Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh

The best way to get to the Cao Dai temple is booking a tour due to its location close to the Cambodian border, 100 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City in the Long Shen village near Tay Ninh. Worship takes place in six hours and begins at midnight, at 06:00 and 18:00 chanting daily. Guests are allowed to visit the galleries and can take pictures, knees must be covered and shoes removed before entering. And you need to remain silent when participating in the festival.