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When in Tay Ninh, a visit to the Tay Ninh Holy See is a must. This is not just a spiritually significant site but also boasts a unique architecture spanning nearly 12 km2, constructed with a blend of cement and bamboo. The Tay Ninh Holy See attracts thousands of tourists annually to explore this truly distinctive structure.
Tay Ninh Holy See, renowned in the Cao Dai religion (Photo by ST)
Introduction to the Tay Ninh Holy See
Located in Long Thanh Bac commune, Hoa Thanh district, Tây Ninh province, the Tây Ninh Holy See stands 4 km southeast of Tây Ninh city and approximately 100 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City.
Architectural Marvel - Tây Ninh Holy See
This remarkable structure is the heart of the Cao Đài faith, dedicated to the worship of the Divine Eye - a sacred symbol in Cao Đài beliefs. Construction began in 1933, but due to interruptions, it was not completed until 1955.
The Tây Ninh Holy See was completed in 1955 (Photo by ST)
The rear view of Tây Ninh Holy See (Photo by ST)
Spanning nearly 12 km2, the Holy See is enclosed by a surrounding fence and encompasses various structures: The Holy See, the shrine of Buddha's mother, and a precious tower. The Holy See, stretching about 100m, boasts 12 doors, with the Main Gate being the largest. The exterior features two towers standing at 36m tall. Notably, this construction is crafted using bamboo-reinforced concrete.
The rear facade of the building (Photo by ST)
The interior of the Holy See boasts an exceptionally unique architecture. Rows of columns inside the structure are adorned with intricately carved dragon motifs in vibrant colors. The floor of the Holy See has 9 tiers known as the “Nine Levels of Godly Wonders,” each tier corresponding to a divine level. In the center, a large sphere symbolizes the universe with the Divine Eye in the forefront.
The central chamber dedicated to the Divine Eye – the symbol of the Supreme Being (Photo by ST)
Additionally, there are numerous meticulously carved details inside the Holy See carrying significant symbolic meanings, mainly related to the Divine Eye. In front of the main tower is the depiction of the Divine Eye – an eye radiating brilliance, the primary symbol of the Cao Đài faith. Above the roof, there is the Nghinh Phong Tower (a statue of a mythical creature standing on a globe). Behind the roof, there is the Bát Quái Tower (statues of celestial generals).
The Nghinh Phong Tower atop the Grand Hall (Photo by ST)
Above the Tranquil Heart 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 structures surrounding the Grand Hall are also meticulously adorned with intricate details. The exterior grounds of the Grand Hall.
The location of Bửu Pháp right next to the Grand Hall (Photo by ST)
Bửu Pháp at the Holy See (Photo by ST)
The Main Gate of the Holy See (Photo by ST)
Some important notes when visiting the Holy See
- 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 designated doors—men enter on the right, and women enter on the left.
If you happen to visit Tây Ninh, don't miss the chance to explore the Tây Ninh Holy See, an exceptionally unique architectural marvel, and to learn more about the Cao Đài faith.
