With the fusion of three religious teachings making up its core, it is not surprising that Cao Dai Temple exudes a blend of the east and the west and resembles partly a temple, a cathedral and a mosque all at the same time. This temple is one of the main ones in Vietnam that is used as a place of worship of this religion which combines the teachings of Buddhism, Taosim and Confucianism and even Catholicism and exudes a blend of the elements of all this, with different colours attributed to different religions and sculptures and paintings springing from different roots.
The temple which is also known as the Great Temple or Holy See is found about 60 miles to the north west of Ho Chi Minh City and is well worth a visit if you are in this region. Built over a span of 20 years and completed in 1956, it resembles a Christian cathedral at least mostly from the exterior with 2 large towers, a central naval and side galleries and what strikes as slightly different is the appearance of brightly coloured bold dragon statues that seem to stand in a protective stance. The religion’s symbol of the third eye is also quite distinct above the main entrance. With the mirrored tiles that send out their glare from the sun and the Rocco walls and the shades of yellow and pink that fill the walls of this nine story building, the exterior sends a most unusual combination of elements and colours that nevertheless appear spectacular.
The interior of the temple is just as striking, with several colours blending together in soft pastel shades, strong pillars on which are moulded writhing dragon statues and a bright blue ceiling above it all resembling the sky. It is advised that one follows a tour guide as to get most information about this sacred building.
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