One of Vietnam's contributions to the world has been the religion Caodaista, which incorporates ideas from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and other religions. This religion was founded in Tay Ninh province (South Vietnam) in 1926, and the Holy See caodista, also known as the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh or Cao Dai Temple, is located in the same town.
About Cao Dai religion
Ngo van Chien, a Vietnamese official working for the French administration, founded the Cao Dai religion. Cao Dai's literal translation comes in “the top place”. This religion has 5 million adherents spread across Vietnam, Australia, Europe, and the United States. Its symbol is an eye within a triangle, the so-called third eye or the eye through which he sees everything, and the triangle is the triangle of justice.
The founder of the Republic of China, Sun Yat-Sen, the poet Victor Hugo, and Vietnamese Professor Nguyen Binh Khiem are the three Saints of this faith, who embody the Alliance between the earthly and the holy.
About Toa Thanh Tay Ninh (or The Cao Dai Temple)
Construction began in 1927 and was completed in 1955, after many years of delays due to financial and political issues. Toa Thanh Tay Ninh is an intriguing and one-of-a-kind architectural structure, with a blend of Asian and European influences. Its facade is notable for its vibrant colors and roof designs.
The Holy See's entrance is comprised of 12 gates, each of which is carved with images of the Four Spirits (dragon, unicorn, turtle, and phoenix) and lotus flowers.
The main gate, in particular, is the largest door with a unique decoration depicting a two-long picture of a pearl. The main gate has two larger and taller middle pillars that are more than 6 meters apart.
There are two and a half metre side gates on both sides of the main gate, just enough for a car to enter. Toa Thanh Cao Dai's side gates are divided into two types: those with roofs and those without. The outside architecture, whatever it is, is similar to the three-way architecture seen in traditional temples in Vietnam's north and center. Gate No. 2, the first roofless structure built in 1926, was extremely simple in structure and decoration.
The architecture inside the Holy See is quite unique. Inside, the two rows of columns are carved with dragons in a variety of vibrant colors. The Holy See's foundation is divided into nine levels called "Nine Products of Fairies," each of which corresponds to one rank.There are 9 cloud and star spaces on the ceiling.
A large ball representing the universe stands in the center of the Holly See, with the Heavenly Eye in front.
There are nearly 100 different large and small concrete architectural works on the Cao Dai Holy See campus.
Visitors frequently choose a time when the Holy See is holding a ceremony, usually around 12 noon, to witness the dignified and beautiful ceremony of Cao Dai religious believers. When visiting the Holy See, visitors must remove their shoes outside (with the assistance of a watchman) and only take pictures of the scenery, not of people with the Heavenly Eye as the background. You can also ask the manager if you can go upstairs to see a panoramic view of the Holy See.
Tay Ninh Holy See, the largest holy site of the Cao Dai religion, attracts millions of visitors and pilgrims each year. Tay Ninh people consider Cao Dai Holy See as their pride.
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