Buzz
When in Tây Ninh, a visit to the Tây Ninh Divine Cathedral is a must. This remarkable structure not only holds profound spiritual significance but also boasts a distinctive architecture spread across nearly 12 km2, constructed with reinforced bamboo and cement. The Tây Ninh Divine Cathedral attracts thousands of visitors annually who come to marvel at this truly unique edifice.
Tây Ninh Divine Cathedral, renowned in the Cao Đài faith (Photo by ST)
Introduction to the Divine Cathedral
Tây Ninh Divine Cathedral is located in Long Thành Bắc commune, Hoa Thanh district, Tây Ninh province. It is approximately 4 km southeast of Tây Ninh city and about 100 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City.
Architectural Marvel of Tây Ninh Divine Cathedral
This is a significant structure in the Cao Đài faith, dedicated to the worship of the Divine Eye – the sacred symbol of Cao Đài. Construction of the cathedral began in 1933, but it faced interruptions, and it wasn't until 1955 that it was finally completed.
The Divine Cathedral was completed in 1955 (Photo by ST)
The backside view of Tây Ninh Divine Cathedral (Photo by ST)
The Divine Cathedral is constructed on an area of nearly 12 km2, surrounded by a protective enclosure and consists of various structures: the main cathedral, the shrine of the Mother Buddha, and the merit tower. The cathedral stretches approximately 100 m, with 12 doors, the Main Gate being the largest. The exterior features two towers that stand 36 m tall. Notably, this structure is built using bamboo-reinforced cement.
The rear view of the building (Photo by ST)
Inside the Divine Cathedral, the architecture is incredibly unique. The inner rows of columns are adorned with intricately carved dragon motifs in vibrant colors. The floor of the cathedral has 9 levels known as the 'Nine Supernatural Grades,' each corresponding to a divine rank. In the center, there is a large sphere symbolizing the universe, with the Divine Eye in the forefront.
The main altar dedicated to the Divine Eye – the symbol of the Supreme Being (Photo by ST)
Additionally, there are numerous meticulously carved details inside the cathedral, each carrying symbolic significance, mostly related to the Divine Eye. In front of the tower, there is an image of the Divine Eye - a radiant eye, the iconic symbol of the Cao Đài faith. Above the roof, there is the Nghinh Phong Đài (a statue of a mythical lion standing on a globe). On the rear roof, there is the Bát Quái Đài (statues of celestial generals).
Nghinh Phong Đài above the Grand Hall (Photo by ST)
Above the Tranquil Meditation Tower, there is also an image of the Divine Eye (Photo by ST)
The window frames of the Grand Hall feature the Divine Eye with a radiant glow emanating around (Photo by ST)
A unique pattern found here (Photo by ST)
The exterior structures around the Grand Hall are also meticulously adorned with intricate details. The surroundings of the Grand Hall.
The location of Bửu Pháp right next to the Grand Hall (Photo by ST)
Bửu Pháp at the Divine Cathedral (Photo by ST)
The Main Gate of the Divine Cathedral (Photo by ST)
Some important notes when visiting the Divine Cathedral
- The main worship service here is at noon, 12:00 PM.
- Visitors can explore at any time but are advised not to wear shoes and maintain general hygiene.
- Access to the Grand Hall is allowed only through the two main doors, with men entering from the right side and women from the left side.
If you happen to visit Tây Ninh, don't forget to stop by the Tây Ninh Divine Cathedral to experience this incredibly unique architectural marvel and learn more about the Cao Đài faith.
