Cao Dai temple

Cao Dai temple

After Tay Ninh, this temple is the largest such structure in Vietnam, serving about 50,000 followers in central Vietnam. As with all Cao Dai temples, prayers are held four times a day, at 5.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm and 11.30pm. The left-hand gate to the complex is for women; the right-hand gate for men. The doors to the sanctuary are similarly segregated, although priests of either gender use the central door. Behind the main altar sits an enormous globe with the Cao Dai ‘divine eye’ symbol on it. A sign reading van giao nhat ly (all religions have the same reason) hangs from the ceiling in front of the altar. Behind the gilded letters is a picture of the founders of five of the world’s great religions. From left to right are Mohammed, Laotse (wearing Eastern Orthodox-style robes), Jesus, a Southeast Asian-looking Buddha and Confucius (looking as Chinese as could be).