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Located in Long Thành Bắc commune, Hòa Thành district, Tây Ninh province, approximately 5km southeast of Tây Ninh town, the Tây Ninh Holy See stands out within its compound with its distinctive architectural style. The Tây Ninh Holy See and the Cao Đài Tây Ninh religion have long been widely recognized.
The Tây Ninh Holy See was inaugurated in 1955. The compound covers an area of 1.2 square kilometers, featuring a temple dedicated to the Mother Buddha, ornamental gardens, and natural forests. The main building is 140m long, 40m wide, with a central tower reaching 36m in height, two bell and drum towers standing 25m tall, and other auxiliary structures like the nine-story tower and the eight-trigram tower towering at 30m.
The architecture of Tây Ninh Holy See is nothing short of extraordinary, shrouded in fascinating tales surrounding its construction. Consequently, most visitors are intrigued by the historical narrative behind this sacred edifice.
Its interior features intricately adorned dragon pillars. Comprising 10 pairs of columns, the central pair forms the Pulpit, where the religious leader delivers sermons to the faithful. The nine-tiered floor of the Holy See, known as the 'Nine Heavenly Levels', each signifies a celestial realm. Facing the main sanctuary are seven seats arranged in three tiers: the highest for the Pope, followed by three seats for the Chief Priests, and finally, three seats for the Head Masters. The main hall is encircled by eight dragon pillars, with a large globe symbolizing the universe at its center, flanked by the celestial eye and surrounded by 3,072 stars, 72 globes, and 3,000 worlds. Adorning the altar are statues of Quan Thế Âm Bodhisattva and Đại Tiên Lý Thái Bạch (currently revered as the sacred Pope of the Cao Đài faith).
Within the sacred precincts of the Cao Dai Tay Ninh Holy See lies a profound symbolism, epitomizing the celestial abode of the Divine at the terrestrial realm. Herein, myriad symbols veiled with profound significance reside. Each observer, influenced by their ethnicity, cultural literacy, and spiritual depth, embarks on a personal journey of discovery within these sacred grounds. Prominent among the discernible and comprehensible symbols are the statues of Good and Evil, and the Guardian Deity.
Key Insights
Visitors to the hallowed halls of the Tay Ninh Holy See often opt to coincide their visit with the ceremonial rites, typically around noon. This affords them a glimpse into the resplendent and dignified rituals of the Cao Dai faithful. It is customary to remove footwear upon entering the inner sanctum, under the watchful eye of attendants, and refrain from capturing images of individuals, focusing solely on the architectural splendor. Permission may be sought to ascend to the upper levels for panoramic vistas of the Holy See.
Source: https://www.vntrip.vn/cam-nang/tay-ninh-cathedral-67747
