Coming to Tay Ninh, it is impossible not to stop by Tay Ninh Toa Thanh, this is not only a work of spiritual significance but also possesses a unique architecture with an area of nearly 12 km2 made of bamboo-reinforced cement. Tay Ninh Toa Thanh annually still welcomes thousands of visitors to visit this extremely unique project.
The famous Tay Ninh cathedral of Cao Dai religion (Photo ST)
Introduction to the Toa Thanh
Tay Ninh Cathedral is located in Long Thanh Bac commune, Hoa Thanh district, Tay Ninh province, 4 km southeast of Tay Ninh city and about 100 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City.
Architectural works of Tay Ninh Toa Thanh
This is a Cao Dai religious building, this is the place to worship Thien Nhan – the sacred symbol of Cao Dai religion. Construction of the Toa Thanhwas started in 1933, however, it was not completed until 1955 because construction was interrupted.
The Toa Thanhwas completed in 1955 (Photo ST)
Behind the Toa ThanhTay Ninh (Photo ST)
The Toa Thanhis built on an area of nearly 12 km2, surrounded by fences and includes many large and small works: the Toa Thanh , the temple of the mother Buddha, the temple. The sanctuary is about 100 m long, with 12 doors, the Chanh Gate is the largest. The outside has 2 towers 36 m high. Especially, this project is built with bamboo-reinforced cement.
Building back view (Photo ST)
The inside of the Toa Thanhhas a very unique architecture. The two columns inside the building are carved with dragons with many colors. There are nine levels of the Toa Thanh, called the “Nine Noble Truths”, each equivalent to one rank. In the middle is a large sphere symbolizing the universe with Thien Nhan lying in front.
Main area of the shrine of Heavenly Label – symbol of God’s eye (Photo ST)
There are also a lot of elaborate carvings in the sanctuary with many symbolic meanings, mainly the details related to the Heavenly Eye. In front of the tower is a picture of Thien Nhan – a radiant eye, this is a symbol of Cao Dai religion. Above the roof is Nghinh Phong Dai (a unicorn statue standing on a globe). On the back roof, there is Bat Gua Dai (the statue of the divine generals).
Nghinh Phong Dai above Dai Dien (Photo ST)
There is also a picture of Thien Nhan above Tinh Tam Dai (Photo ST).
The window frame of Dai Dien has a picture of Heavenly Eyes with aura radiating around it (Photo ST)
A unique vignette here (Photo ST)
The works outside the Dai Dien building were also built with meticulous decoration details. The campus outside the Grand Palace.
Buu Phap’s location next to Dai Dien (Photo ST)
Buu Dharma at the Toa Thanh(Photo ST)
The Gate of the Toa Thanh(Photo ST)
Some note when going to the Toa Thanh
- The main ceremony time here is 12 noon.
- Visitors can visit at any time but do not wear shoes and keep clean
- Can only enter the Temple from the two sides of the door, men enter on the right side, women go to the left.
If you have the opportunity to visit Tay Ninh, do not forget to visit Tay Ninh Cathedral to visit this extremely special architecture as well as to learn more about Cao Dai religion.