Buzz
With the diversity of religious forms and beliefs, Vietnam is often likened to a global religious museum. From a cultural perspective, these varied forms significantly contribute to enriching and distinguishing Vietnamese culture. Despite different origins and guiding principles, there is not only coexistence but also connection, fostering understanding to develop the essence of various religions and beliefs.
Certainly, many are familiar with Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and more. However, few might know about the youngest religion in Vietnam - Cao Đài. It intricately blends many major religions and has flourished in both scale and followers. The epitome of this religion's existence in Vietnam is the Holy Land of Tây Ninh, where a magnificent Holy See stands as a testament to its unique architecture.
The Front Facade of the Holy See
Where is Tây Ninh Holy See Located?
Situated on Phạm Hộ Pháp Street within the precincts of Tây Ninh Holy See, Long Hoa Ward, Hòa Thành Town, Tây Ninh, the Holy See is also referred to as the Divine Temple. It is approximately 5km southeast of Tây Ninh city.
This is the central administrative worship place of Cao Đài, known as the Mother Temple. The name originates from the fact that Cao Đài has its roots here.
The Sacred Sanctuary of Cao Đài
History of the Formation of Tây Ninh Holy See
Over 80 years ago, the Tây Ninh region was a dense, lush forest, surrounded by mystical mountains and unique water sources. However, with the arrival of High Reverend Cao Quỳnh Cư, this area was chosen as the ideal location for the inception of Cao Đài, transforming it from a dense forest into the most sacred place. The canonical scriptures note that the Holy See was first initiated in 1926 and inaugurated in 1947. Nearly 80 years of history have passed since then.
The Surrounding Grounds of Tây Ninh Holy See
Comprehensive Architectural Design
Actual Dimensions of Tây Ninh Holy See are 97.5m in length and 22m in width. The Dragon Horse Master is the overarching symbol of this religious architectural marvel. The visage of the Dragon Horse's head at the front of the Holy See faces westward. Above, there are two bell and drum towers rising high like sharp horns. Between the drum and bell towers is a building on the ground floor called the Tranquil Mind Pavilion.
The second floor of Tây Ninh Holy See is named the Exalted Worship Pavilion, resembling the forehead with two doors considered as the eyes of the Dragon Horse. The Nine Layers Pavilion forms the body, followed by the United Heaven Pavilion. The tail of the Dragon Horse sits at the end of the Divine Temple in the Eight Diagrams Pavilion area. This sacred religious structure is built with a distinctive bamboo-reinforced concrete characteristic of Cao Đài's Holy See constructions.
Tây Ninh Holy See Faces Westward
Surrounding Tây Ninh Holy See are a total of 112 round columns supporting the corridor roof. The window frames are adorned with lotus flower patterns forming a Heavenly Eye shape, with an equilateral triangle in the center enclosing the wall of the Grand Hall. There are a total of 23 lotus flower compartments with Heavenly Eye patterns. The main entrance through the Tranquil Mind Hall has a total of 6 auxiliary entrances, and on both sides stand statues of Golden Buffalo Generals.
Vibrantly Colored Patterns
Front Courtyard of Tây Ninh Holy See
The inner precinct of Tây Ninh Holy See spans 1km2. The layout of this structure embodies religious or mystical philosophical perspectives. According to scriptures, the Holy See symbolizes the White Jade Scripture residing in the earthly realm. Some easily recognizable symbols such as the Hộ Pháp statue, the figure of Mr. Thiện, are crafted with great precision and artistry.
Surrounding the inner precinct of Tây Ninh Holy See is a fence enclosing nearly 100 variously sized architectural structures like the Holy See, Dao agencies, and Bửu Tháp, all interconnected. Expansive roads gracefully connect these structures. The surrounding area of Tây Ninh Holy See has 12 Tam Quan gates built in three different architectural styles. The main gate is the Chánh Môn, while the remaining 11 gates are numbered from 1 to 11.
Adjacent Structure to Tây Ninh Holy See
The Towers as Viewed from Afar
Main Gate (Chánh Môn)
The main gate, known as the Chánh Môn, is the largest among the 12 entrances to the inner precinct of Tây Ninh Holy See. This gate is rarely opened and only on special occasions to welcome important dignitaries.
Architectural features of the main gate include the prominent symbol of the Twin Dragons, classical calligraphy, lotus flowers, and intricate reliefs. The main gate bears the raised inscription 'DAI DAO TAM KY PHO DO' in Vietnamese and Han characters below. Additionally, the words 'TÂY NINH HOLY SEE' are engraved with the year 1965.
On both sides of the gate pillars, a pair of parallel sentences in Han characters express the guiding principles of Caodaism:
'SUPREME REVERENCE UNIVERSAL WAY OF PEACE
DEMOCRACY FOR THE PEOPLE
ALTARS RESPECTFULLY WORSHIPPING THE TRIAD OF UNITY
FREEDOM AND RIGHTS.'
Distinctive architecture of Tây Ninh Holy See
Main Hall
Within this area, there are a total of 18 columns dividing into two sides, intricately carved and adorned with dragon motifs. These columns delineate the Nine Layers Pavilion into 9 sections, each differing by 18cm. This is the ceremonial space for each level of followers. During ceremonies, officials and followers each have designated positions corresponding to their hierarchy in Caodaism.
On the ceiling, there is a depiction of stars and clouds symbolizing the celestial realms. Between each panel, there is a carved vent in the shape of six dragons engaged in battle, often referenced with the verse 'In the era of six dragons, the journey is boundless' from the scriptures of the Jade Emperor.
The columns are intricately carved with dragon motifs.
Way of Dao
After the 9 levels of the Nine Layers Pavilion, there is an intermediate level leading to the Eight Diagrams Pavilion, known as the Way of Dao. On the roof of the Way of Dao, there are white clouds surrounded by long rays, blending with short rays of light. The Heavenly Eye is engraved inside, represented by a male figure symbolizing humanity.
Way of Dao
Eight Diagrams Pavilion
The Eight Diagrams Pavilion is situated at the end of the Holy See, forming the tail of the Dragon Horse facing directly east. The pavilion's roof is painted in golden hues, featuring 8 dragon columns arranged in the shape of the Eight Diagrams. In the center lies the Càn Khôn Sphere with a diameter of 3.3m, symbolizing the universe and the Heavenly Eye positioned on the North Star, surrounded by 3072 stars representing 72 globes along with 3000 worlds. Below, the Three Transcendental Beings, Five Elements, and Three Doctrines are venerated.
The base of the Eight Diagrams Pavilion consists of 12 steps, each 10cm high with 8 sides, arranged in a tower-like fashion, decreasing in size from bottom to top. These twelve steps symbolize the 12 Heavenly Layers. According to the Cao Dai doctrine, the Supreme Being is the Twelve-fold Opening Sky, with the first step being 2.4m above the ground and the top step 3.6m above the ground.
The Càn Khôn Sphere
In each Holy See, only the Heavenly Eye Statue is permitted for worship—a painting depicting the Heavenly Eye. However, at the Holy See, instead of the Heavenly Eye, a large spherical object depicting the Heavenly Eye is revered, known as the Càn Khôn Sphere.
According to the doctrine of Cao Dai, the Càn Khôn Sphere is spherical, housing a perpetual lamp called Thái Cực at its center, burning day and night, akin to the Thái Cực lamps in other Holy Sees or on the Heavenly Altar at the homes of believers. Thus, we can clearly see that the Càn Khôn Sphere here distinctly represents the philosophy of Cosmic Perspective.
Introduction to the Holy See and Cao Dai Doctrine
Guidelines for Visiting Tây Ninh Holy See
Religious and spiritual tourist site dress code
The pathway leading to the Holy See
Exploring the land of Tây Ninh, alongside the majestic Bà Đen mountain, pausing at the poetic Ma Thiên Lãnh, savoring Trảng Bàng rice paper, Tây Ninh beef,... don't forget to visit Tây Ninh Holy See - a remarkable religious structure with outstanding architecture.
Author: Trần Thị Như Quỳnh
*This article participates in the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal is a blog program introducing beautiful destinations throughout Vietnam, part of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is an excellent opportunity to promote local tourism. For each qualifying article, you will receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a contributor with Mytour. For detailed information about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal
