Cao Dai Temple of Tay Ninh is a religious project of the Cao Dai religion, located in Hoa Thanh district, about 4 km from Tay Ninh city. Caodaism was born in late 1926 here. The campus of the Cao Dai temple is over one square kilometer with wide road connecting buildings. The campus of the Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh province has nearly 100 large and small architectural works built within 14 years.
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Cao Dai Temple of Tay Ninh is the worship center of Caodaism
Cao Dai Temple of Tay Ninh City is considered the home base – the worship center of Caodaism in whole Vietnam. Construction was started in 1933, completed in 1947 but inaugurated in 1955. Cao Dai Temple of Tay Ninh City covers an area of over 2,000 m2. There are two high towers for bell and drums in 25 m high.
The campus of the Cao Dai Temple
On the campus of the Cao Dai temple, there are nearly 100 large and small architectural works built of concrete with bamboo core 🙂
The entrance of Cao Dai temple has 12 gates carved with sacred animal figurines (dragon, unicorn, phoenix, and turtle) and lotus. Therein, “Chanh Mon” is the largest gate with different decorations bearing the shape of two dragons fighting for jade.
Occupying a large area in the Cao Dai temple are two dense gardens. According to the management board, in the garden there are old trees, rubber trees… planted before the time that temple was built. Two gardens are fenced to ensure the safety of the animals inside them.
The symbols of Caodaism is an eye in the triangle, symbolizing Imperial God. In addition, the religion also worships many Gods such as Buddha, Jesus, Confucius, Lao Tzu, Guan Yin… These images are depicted many places around the Cao Dai temple, especially the main door.
In order to enter the interior of the temple, both the believer and the visitors must leave shoes outside. Visitors cannot enter the main door but must go to the side door, men get in the left hand side door, and women get in the right hand side door.
Inside the Cao Dai temple
Inside the Cao Dai temple, there are two rows of dragon pillar, which painted in blue, red, and white color. At the ceiling are nine sessions of sky, clouds and stars.
The main hall of the temple worships the holy eyes of God, which is located on a globe with 3,027 stars (representing 3,072 globes). Guests are not allowed to visit and take photos the center, just look at the main hall from both sides.
What should know to visit Cao Dai Temple
Visitors can visit the Cao Dai temple at any time of the day, but they should choose the holy hour of worship serving (usually 12:00 noon) to see the solemn rite of Cao Dai religion. At that time, tourists can go upstairs to capture the whole interior of the Temple. The annual 9th of January (lunar calendar) and the full moon of August (lunar calendar) take place the two largest festivals of the Cao Dai temple, attracting many visitors.
There is always a custodian in Cao Dai temple who reminds visitors follow sightseeing regulations of the Caodaism. “Tourists are not allowed to take pictures with the backdrop is the holly eyes of God” Mr. Hai, the faithful said.
This is the largest Temple of Cao Dai religion; Cao Dai Temple of Tay Ninh annually attracts millions of visitors and pilgrims. In the afternoon, this place becomes a relaxing place for the locals.
