Cao Dai Temple

Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh, called Toa Thanh or Divine Temple, is the largest of all the churches Caodistas. It started in 1927 and opened in 1955 after many years of construction due to delays caused by financial and political problems. Cao Dai Temple is a curious and unique architecture building, mixture of Asian and European architectures, where what most noteworthy of its exterior are its vivid colors and shapes of roofs.

It occupies an area of 100 hectares. The whole complex is surrounded by a fence that protects the complex, with 12 gates. The largest of all door is normally closed and only open to make way for leaders and public personalities.

The dimension of the Cao Dai Temple is 140 meters long, 40 meters wide and 36 meters high. Runner which can be seen in the exterior is supported by 112 circular pillars. It consists of 4 towers which are named differently as Tam Dai, Hiep Thien Dai, Cuu Trung Dai and Bat Quai Dai.

The architecture of the Cao Dai churches reflects the precepts of this syncretic religion, for example the 2 Belfries are unique to Christianity. At the top of the main façade we find the statue of Maitreya Buddha in the Lotus position. Shingles in red color and the pointy roofs are typical of Chinese architecture and Hinduism.