THE UNIQUE OF CAO DAI RELIGION AND EXPERIENCE TAY NINH HOLY SEE

The most significant place of worship for the Cao Dai religion is the Tay Ninh Holy See. It boasts a spacious layout, distinctive architecture, and numerous eye-catching check-in areas. As a result, if you get the chance to visit Tay Ninh, don’t miss this attractive destination. Besides, I will show you more the information about the Cao Dai religion.

Tay Ninh Holy See – the cradle of Cao Dai religion in Vietnam

1. The Origins and Beliefs of Cao Dai Religion

Cao Dai, also known as Đại Đạo Tam Kỳ Phổ Độ, translates to “The Great Religion of the Third Period of Revelation and Salvation.” The religion emerged as a response to the desire for unity between different religious traditions and was officially recognized in 1926. Its founder, Ngô Văn Chiêu, claimed to have received divine messages from God (Cao Dai) during séances, urging him to establish a new faith that would reconcile various world religions.

Core Beliefs of Cao Dai:

-Unity of All Religions: Cao Dai emphasises harmony and peace between all faiths and teaches that all religions originate from the same divine source. It combines aspects of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Hinduism.

-The Divine Eye: The Divine Eye, which stands for God’s all-perceiving gaze, is the most well-known symbol of Cao Dai. Rays of light encircle the eye, signifying the might and wisdom of the divine.

-Saints and Prophets: Cao Dai honors historical personalities including French writer Victor Hugo, Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen, and French novelist Joan of Arc, in addition to traditional religious figures like Buddha, Jesus Christ, and Confucius.

-Reincarnation and the role of karma: Like other Eastern faiths, Cao Dai holds that good deeds bring about positive outcomes while wicked deeds bring about negative ones.

2. Overview of Tay Ninh Holy See

The Holy See of Tay Ninh, also referred to by locals as the Holy Temple, is located centrally in Hoa Thanh town, approximately 6 kilometers from Tay Ninh city and near the Long Trung tourist area. Its large-scale construction and remarkable architecture make it a well-known landmark; anyone in the area will immediately recognize it if you mention the Holy See.

Tay Ninh Holy See plays an important role in religion – culture – tourism.

A striking feature of the Holy See is its two prominent towers, the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. The Bell Tower’s design closely resembles the bell towers found in Catholic churches, showcasing the blend of religious influences. The central part of the Holy See features a symbolic representation of Maitreya Buddha, signifying peace and harmony. The overall architectural design also incorporates elements from Confucian cosmology, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth with the circular sky and square earth motif.

Another notable feature is the Bagua Tower, which resembles the Bagua map from Taoism. On the roof of this tower, carvings of three Buddha statues further emphasize the religious symbolism. Inside, the architecture reflects a structure similar to the Nine-Layered Tower, with nine levels symbolizing progression from the lowest to the highest.

In essence, the architecture of the Tay Ninh Holy See is a harmonious fusion of distinctive elements from several major world religions. This reflects the core principle of the Cao Dai faith, which is to seek the common origins of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Additionally, it aims to unify the five branches of Cao Dai teachings: Humanity, Deity, Saint, Immortal, and Buddha, further emphasizing the inclusive and syncretic nature of the religion.

3. Unique architectural beauty of Tay Ninh Holy See

3.1 Architecture with Eastern-Western Philosophical Characteristics

Unique architecture characterizes the Tay Ninh Holy See due to their Cao Dai roots, Tri Hue Palace in Tay Ninh is comparable. Designers and builders of religious buildings usually draw meticulously. Instead of designing the Tay Ninh Holy See, Duc Pham Ho Phap let Cao Dai supporters build it.

People volunteered to build the Tay Ninh Holy See without labor costs. They didn’t marry during the Holy See’s construction for fear of disrupting its yin-yang balance. Duc Ly Giao Tong Giang Co constantly monitored and directed the construction and listened to everyone’s comments to make the best work. After 5 years, the Holy See was finished.

The Tay Ninh Holy See’s architecture blends heaven and earth with humans. This Holy See symbolises Tay Ninh culture and is a Cao Dai religious centre. Therefore, visit this Tay Ninh destination when you visit.

Unique architecture inside Tay Ninh Holy See

The concept of “Three religions converge” in the interior architecture of the Holy See

3.2 The exterior of Tay Ninh Holy See

Tay Ninh Holy See covers approximately 12 km2. The outer area is fenced to ensure the seriousness of this sacred work. The Holy See campus also has tiny, magnificent constructions like the stupa, Buddha’s mother’s temple. The Holy See’s most noticeable symbol is the two 36m towers. Despite being bamboo-reinforced cement, they are strong.

The 100m-long Holy See has 12 doors. The Main Gate is the biggest door. The four sacred animals and lotus blossoms are carefully etched on each door of this devotional work. The Main Gate features a dragon vying for a pearl.

The roof reflects the Tay Ninh Holy See’s unique design. Interweaving roofed and roofless floors produces contrast and harmony. Therefore, most Holy See visitors find it surprising because this edifice is in the South but resembles Northern pagodas. The entrance gate has three paths, like the Buddhist temple Tam Quan gate.

3.3 The Beauty Inside

Entering the Tay Ninh Holy See will impress you with its distinctive architecture. The ceiling and walls include intricate carvings displaying the Cao Dai followers’ passion and expertise in building this work.

Two rows of Holy See columns are carved with dragons and phoenixes and painted brightly. The work is built on “nine divine ranks” (levels). Each level represents a human rank.

An enormous spherical graphic depicts Cao Dai’s enormous cosmos and vision. This is also the background many visitors check in at the Tay Ninh Holy See. Additionally, the Eye of Heaven image is noteworthy. Thien Nhan, a massive, finely carved eye, symbolises Cao Dai wisdom and light.

Nghinh Phong Dai and Bat Quai Dai are in the Holy See’s inner courtyard. Front roof is Nghinh Phong Dai, back roof is Bat Quai Dai. These are two unique aspects of this famous spiritual work.

The architecture inside the Tay Ninh Holy See

3.4 Sacred festivals at Tay Ninh Holy See

Feast of the Supreme Being (Le Via Duc Chi Ton)

The festival of Duc Chi Ton is one of the famous festivals of the Tay Ninh Holy See, known to many locals and tourists. This is also the biggest festival of the year held at this construction.

During the festival, thousands of people will be present outside the Tay Ninh Holy See to admire the unique beauty of the incense dragon. In addition, visitors can also witness the joyful and unique dances of the unicorn, turtle, phoenix, and dragon horse.

Time of organization: January 8 every year.

The Festival of the Supreme Being takes place in January, attracting the participation of many people and tourists.

The ethnic orchestra also performs in front of the Holy Temple, Bao An Tu, creating a lively and dynamic sound. Following the performance, the orchestra parades through the East and West stands, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Visitors attending festivals at the Tay Ninh Holy See can also explore 31 booths showcasing various historical exhibits. These displays provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture, the values of its people, and the nation’s traditions.

Great Mother and the Nine Goddesses (Hoi Yen Dieu Tri Cung)

A special incense dragon dance performance featuring a dragon, unicorn, turtle, and phoenix opens the celebration. Coming here will immerse you in an incredibly busy environment.

One of the ceremony’s unique events is the incense dragon dance at Tay Ninh Holy See, which tourists shouldn’t miss. One of the special events of this festival is also the communal vegetarian lunch at Tay Ninh Holy See.

Dragon dance activities in the festival

You may experience the hustle and bustle of the villagers preparing the roadways and decorative plants for the festival in the days preceding it. Religious rituals including worship, the palanquin flower carry, the incense dragon dance, the unicorn, the turtle, and the phoenix are all part of the ceremony.

The main event of this festival is the parade of the Buddha’s floral palanquin. The parishioners here are likewise putting on a fairly spectacular display.

Time of organization: Full moon of the eighth lunar month. The Tay Ninh Holy See Banquet is one of the festivals that attracts a large number of people and tourists.

Hoi Yen Dieu Tri Cung Festival attracts a large number of people to participate.

Typically, when journeys are paired with visits to Tay Ninh Holy See, you will have the opportunity to attend the festival events there. You should pick a resort hotel close to the city center for the best scheduling ease.

4. Essential tips when you visit Tay Ninh Holy See

-The main ceremony takes place at 12 noon, so if you plan to participate in the worship services, be mindful of the timing.

-You can visit this site at any time, but note that shoes are not allowed inside the temple. Additionally, it’s important to maintain cleanliness, walk softly, and speak quietly to preserve the sanctity of this spiritual site.

-Visitors can enter the Great Hall through both sides of the door, but take note that men should enter through the right door and women through the left door.

-As the Tay Ninh Holy See is a religious and spiritual site, it is essential to dress modestly. Avoid wearing shorts, short skirts, or any attire that might affect the sacred atmosphere of the Holy See.