Exploring the Nave of the Cao Dai Great Temple

Visitors are welcome to explore the nave of the temple outside of service hours, provided they stay within the aisles and do not step between the rows of striking pink pillars. These pillars, intricately entwined with emerald-green dragons, extend gracefully along the chamber, adding to the temple’s distinctive aesthetic.

Architectural Highlights

The outer walls of the nave feature cut-away windows, adorned with decorative grilles in the shape of the Divine Eye—the central symbol of Caodaism—surrounded by vibrant pink lotus flowers. As you walk up the gentle steps leading through the nave, you’ll eventually arrive at an ornate altar, laden with:
✔ Assorted vases filled with fresh flowers
✔ Offerings of fruits
✔ Traditional paintings
✔ Elegant stork statues

The Papal Chair and Cardinal Seats

At the head of the chamber stands the papal chair, a grand seat with armrests carved into dragons, symbolizing wisdom and power. Below it, six additional chairs are designated for the cardinals:
🦅 Three chairs with eagle-shaped armrests – Representing strength and vision
🦁 Three chairs with lion-shaped armrests – Symbolizing courage and leadership

The Divine Sphere – A Celestial Masterpiece

The centerpiece of the nave is an awe-inspiring duck-egg-blue sphere, beautifully speckled with stars and resting on an octagonal, polished dais. This celestial globe is guarded by eight intricately sculpted silver dragons, adding to its mystical aura. At its front, the Divine Eye gazes out from within painted clouds, a constant presence throughout the temple’s design.

Look up, and you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking sky-blue ceiling, adorned with shimmering golden stars, delicate moldings of lions and turtles, and billowing clouds, all contributing to the otherworldly ambiance of the Cao Dai Great Temple.

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply a traveler looking for a unique cultural experience, exploring the nave of the Cao Dai Great Temple is a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Vietnam’s most distinctive religious sanctuary.