Cao Dai Temple

About

The Cao Dai Temple was built in the 1930s, shortly after the eponymous religion was founded. Endemic to southern Vietnam, Caodaism blends Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, and Islam into a harmonious religion that has grown to become the 3rd largest in Vietnam. The Cao Dai Temple is likewise an amalgamation of styles. Laid out like a Catholic cathedral, the temple is decorated with everything from Chinese dragons to geometric patterns, to depictions of the church’s key idols, like Jesus, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, and even the poet Victor Hugo. Prayers are held at the church four times a day, with lay-followers dressed in white robes, priests wear yellow, red, or blue robes depending on which branch Caodaism they practice, are cardinals in colored robes with head-dresses ornamented with the church’s symbol - the Left Eye of God. While visitors are welcome, appropriate clothing is required, as is respect towards temple practitioners.