Cao Dai Temple


The Cao Dai Great Temple is located in Long Hoa in Tay Ninh province, about 26 kilometers from the Cambodian border. Cao Dai temples are gleefully colorful, and the ceremonies have costumes and music to match.

At the time of these photos, the Great temple was under renovation.

Click for a larger version Main Gate
Click for a larger version Bleechers for outdoor audiences

The women sit in one set, and the men sit opposite.

The four colors symbolize branches of Cao Dai: Buddhist is yellow, Taoist is blue, Confucian is red. Everyone else is represented by white, which combines all colors.

Click for a larger version Statue

The rider looks exhausted, even though the horse is doing all the work.

Click for a larger version Unicorns
Click for a larger version Unicorn, close-up

Reminded me of Krusty the Clown

Click for a larger version The Main Temple

In the middle is the all-seeing eye, and the globe dome with stars represents revelation.

Click for a larger version Inside the temple.

There are nine  steps representing the cycle of reincarnation and achievement.

Click for a larger version Temple interior

The gallery above is for visitors

Click for a larger version More of the interior

Under major renovation, the place smells from fresh paint.

Click for a larger version The service
Click for a larger version During the service

Note that even the fans in the gallery are multi-colored

Click for a larger version Lay Clergy
Click for a larger version More of the service
Click for a larger version And more
Click for a larger version Musicians and choir upstairs

who played beautifully. Unfortunately, there don't seem to be any recordings of their music.