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The nearly century-long journey of the "Holy Land"
Upon arriving in Hoa Thanh town, visitors can see the Holy See standing majestically against the vast sky from afar. In this otherwise tranquil area, it has become a symbol of a purely Vietnamese religion, which originated in the early 20th century and quickly spread throughout Southern Vietnam.
Construction began in 1931, when the Cao Dai religion was still in its infancy. Unlike other large-scale projects, the Holy See was not meticulously planned with technical drawings. Legend says that the architecture originated from a "vision"—a divine manifestation recorded by religious leaders and then conveyed to the craftsmen. Therefore, the Holy See bears a unique mark: both massive and symmetrical, yet seemingly a crystallization of spiritual inspiration.
A panoramic view of the main architectural complex of the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh.
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After many years of construction, the basic structure was completed in 1947, and it was officially inaugurated in 1955. Since then, through the vicissitudes of time, the Holy See has almost retained its original appearance, with only minor repairs to damaged parts. For Cao Dai followers, this place is not only a "Holy Temple" but also a living testament to the aspiration for harmony between the universe and humanity.
East and West harmonize in a magnificent architecture.
The architecture and details of the cathedral are a sophisticated blend of many styles within a single whole. The cathedral is often likened to a "dragon-horse facing west," because the entire structure is nearly 100 meters long and over 20 meters wide, with two bell and drum towers rising high like the horns of a mythical creature.
From the outside, the vibrant combination of yellow, green, and pink hues makes the entire structure stand out like a mythical palace. The curved roof resembles an East Asian temple, but the long corridors and arched doorways evoke the style of European churches. Interspersed throughout are decorative details reminiscent of Indian temples, and reliefs of dragons, phoenixes, and lotus flowers, all deeply rooted in Vietnamese identity. This is the spirit of Cao Dai: absorbing the beauty and essence from various religions and cultures to create a new harmonious blend.
The architecture of the cathedral is a blend of many cultures and beliefs.
Passing through the main gate, visitors walk along the central axis to enter the main hall. On either side are rows of brightly painted dragon columns, their bodies winding as if soaring, both solemn and lively. The ceiling depicts a blue sky with white clouds and countless stars. The main hall is divided into nine sections, symbolizing the nine heavens, each with six intertwined dragons dominating the ceiling. Each step transports one into a miniature universe, where the earthly and celestial realms meet.
The main hall inside the cathedral is divided into nine sections, symbolizing the nine heavens.
The centerpiece of the entire shrine is the Divine Eye, placed on a cosmic sphere. The eye, wide open and looking forward, symbolizes the all-knowing and all-seeing God. The sphere is adorned with thousands of tiny stars, representing all living things in the world. Standing before this symbol, visitors inevitably feel insignificant amidst the vast universe.
The Divine Eye symbolizes the eyes of God, placed on the cosmic globe located in the main hall.
Beyond the main hall, the Holy See complex includes over 100 auxiliary structures: the Eight Trigrams Platform, the Nine-Tiered Platform, the Wind-Welcoming Platform, along with bell towers, drum towers, side halls, and tunnels. Each structure carries its own meaning, contributing to a grand yet unified overall design. Notably, the entire complex is surrounded by 12 gates, each adorned with carvings of the Four Sacred Animals and lotus flowers. These are not only aesthetic highlights but also symbolize protection and purification before entering this sacred land.
Space of ritual and spiritual life
If the architecture creates the magnificent exterior, then the rituals are the soul that keeps the Holy See alive each day. Four daily services are celebrated regularly: morning, noon, afternoon, and evening. In the solemn space, the faithful kneel neatly, their voices harmonizing in the chanting of the scriptures. The deep, resonant sounds of drums, bells, and ceremonial music echo, immersing the entire hall in a continuous flow of spirituality.
Each year, two major festivals transform the Holy See into a gathering point for tens of thousands of believers. The first is the Great Feast of the Supreme Being on the 8th day of the first lunar month, commemorating the founding of the religion, when a solemn atmosphere pervades both the interior and exterior. The second is the Feast of the Jade Pool Palace on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, bustling with processions of flower floats, dragon dances, and offerings of food, recreating the concept of the harmony of yin and yang. On these occasions, the Holy See is not only a place of worship but also becomes a giant stage for religious belief, culture, music, and performing arts.
Ms. Kim Ngan, the owner of a shop selling ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) to Cao Dai followers for over 30 years in Tay Ninh, shared that when participating in ceremonies, Cao Dai followers wear white ao dai, while religious dignitaries wear yellow, green, and red ceremonial robes. Each rank has its own attire and accessories.
Ms. Kim Ngan, the owner of a tailor shop that has been making ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses) for Cao Dai followers in Tay Ninh for over 30 years.
The Holy See in the Eyes of Travelers
Visiting the Holy See, tourists not only admire a unique architectural masterpiece but also step into the story of a purely Vietnamese religion. Amidst the intense sun and wind of Tay Ninh, the vibrant colors of the Holy See seem to shine even brighter. The deep, resonant sound of the bells echoes through the space, blending with the rustling of leaves, awakening all the senses.
Strolling along the long corridors, feeling the cool breeze from the bricks and stones, touching the smooth, polished dragon columns, one can clearly see the skillful hands of anonymous artisans. Standing beneath the cloudy ceiling, gazing up at the Eye of Heaven, many realize that the architecture here is not just for viewing, but for dialogue, for reminding us of humanity's insignificance and our yearning for enlightenment.
The architecture of the holy site showcases the talent of the artisans and followers of Cao Dai religion.
Those who linger longer will witness the transformation of the Holy See from moment to moment. In the morning, the sunlight illuminates the iridescent roof tiles, making them gleam like gold. At midday, during Mass, the atmosphere becomes unusually quiet and solemn. In the afternoon, sunlight streams through the arched windows, casting long shadows of the dragon-shaped columns on the tiled floor. And as night falls, the Holy See is bathed in warm golden light, like a mythical castle emerging from the darkness.
More than nine decades have passed, and the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh still stands there, radiant and majestic. Amidst the rhythm of modern life, the Holy See continues to resonate with a symphony of architecture and spirituality, reminding us of the power of faith and the harmony of all beings.
