The Kaodai Temple Complex is the main spiritual center of the religion of the same name, which appeared in Vietnam in 1926. Her concept combines ideas and images from different traditions. It is proclaimed that all world religions lead to one God, but in different epochs he was revealed through different prophets. This is one of the unusual attractions in the city of Tainin.
History
The idea to create the complex appeared in the 1920s during the French colonial administration. At that time, great changes were taking place in society, and people were looking for new spiritual supports. A group of officials and thinkers, influenced by the fashion for spiritualism, came to a session with spirits. According to them, a higher being came into contact, declaring himself Kaodai.
This being said that a new religion is needed that can unite Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism and other world teachings. After that, a new religion appeared, and the Kaodai Temple Complex was opened, where East and West meet. It's a controversial religion, but it has followers. The construction of the Kaodai Temple Complex, also known as the Holy See in Taining, was carried out in 1933-1955.
Description
The Kaodai Temple Complex has a unique architectural appearance. The facade resembles a Catholic cathedral, the tiered towers, and the curved-edged roof are a reference to Buddhist pagodas. At the same time, Taoist motifs are present in the decor. A whole neighborhood has formed around the building: there are wide avenues, schools and hospitals. The local market, called Longhoa, was designed in the shape of an octagon, reflecting Taoist cosmology.
The spiritual center attracts attention by the fact that most of the work was carried out manually without ready-made drawings and the help of engineers. Inspired by a new idea, thousands of people worked enthusiastically. They took vows (for example, voluntary renunciation of marriage) to maintain the balance of yin and yang in the Kaodai Temple Complex. Throughout its existence, there has not been a single large-scale reconstruction, the building has only been repainted a few times.
How to get
The easiest way to get to the Kaodai Temple Complex is with an organized tour, and it's more comfortable by taxi, but the trip will cost more than by public transport.
Buses No. 70-3 or commercial minibuses and minibuses to Tainin depart from the An SươNg Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City. The car depot can be reached by bus number 4, which passes through Ben Thanh Market. It is 4-5 kilometers from Tainin Railway Station to Kaodai Temple Complex. You can take a taxi or a motorcycle taxi.
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