Question 90: In what year was the Tây Ninh Holy See inaugurated?  

The Tây Ninh Holy See, also called the Holy Temple (Đền Thánh), is the Founding Seat (Tổ Đình) and the Central Holy See of Caodaism, located in Long Thành Bắc Commune, Hòa Thành District, Tây Ninh Province, about 5 kilometers southeast of Tây Ninh town, in Southern Vietnam.

It is called the Founding Seat because it is the place from which Caodaism originated. The Holy See was constructed in the style of the Celestial Court (Thiên Đình), facing west.

The selection of the sacred land for construction, as well as the architectural design of the Holy See, were carefully guided by Đức Chí Tôn and Đức Lý Giáo Tông through spiritual revelations.

At Gò Kén Temple, on February 20, 1927 (lunar: 19‑1‑Đinh Mão), Đức Lý Giáo Tông revealed:

"All followers must unite their efforts to establish the Holy See; everything must be here in Tây Ninh, for this is sacred land.

Moreover, the land is favorable for foreign visitors to come and study the Đạo. I desired other places, but Chí Tôn would not allow it.

On the Upper Middle Day (Thượng Trung Nhựt), leave a little extra land, about 50 mẫu, to encompass the entire map of Bạch Ngọc Kinh, to complete the sacred grounds. Wise followers, go select the land and report to me, beseeching Chí Tôn to approve!" (Excerpt from ĐSII C222)

The next day, February 21, 1927 (lunar: 20‑1‑Đinh Mão), Đức Chí Tôn revealed:

"Hear me, children! Wherever I reside, that place is sacred ground. As for the Holy See, I wish for human effort to cooperate with Heavenly will — that is my intention. You should follow this example. From the time I established the Đạo until now, I have never ruled alone or autocratically.

Wherever you select that satisfies the Sacerdotal Council, it pleases me. You must unite your efforts to complete the Holy See entirely; everything must remain here in Tây Ninh." (ĐSII223 & TNHTI98)

From January 1927, Đức Chí Tôn and Đức Lý Giáo Tông provided all detailed plans, dimensions, and diagrams for the construction of the Holy See.

At that time, however, the Đạo was still poor, and there were too few followers. Therefore, construction of a permanent structure with solid materials could not begin immediately. Only a temporary building with thatched roof and wooden walls was erected to provide a place to worship Đức Chí Tôn.

The official groundbreaking began in 1931 (Tân Mùi). On lunar 3‑Giêng‑Đinh Hợi (Gregorian: January 24, 1947), the Holy See was completed. Chief Director Lê Văn Bàng, the Deputy Chief Directors, and Tá Lý, representing male and female workers, conducted the ceremony of handover to the Sacerdotal Council.

On lunar 6‑Giêng‑Đinh Hợi (Gregorian: January 27, 1947), Đức Phạm Hộ Pháp conducted the Consecration Ceremony (Trấn Thần) of the Holy See.

On lunar 8‑Giêng‑Đinh Hợi (Gregorian: January 29, 1947), Đức Phạm Hộ Pháp performed the Ritual of Receiving the Quả Càn Khôn (previously sent to Báo Ân Từ) to be enshrined at the Holy See, followed that night at the hour of Tý by the Grand Ceremony in honor of Đức Chí Tôn.

It was not until eight years later, on lunar 9‑Giêng‑Ất Mùi (Gregorian: February 1, 1955), that Đức Phạm Hộ Pháp organized the Great Inauguration Ceremony of the Holy See on the occasion of Vía Đức Chí Tôn.

This was the grandest ceremony in Caodaism to date. Caodaist followers take great pride in possessing such a magnificent, imposing, and splendid Holy See, created by the cooperation of divine will and human effort, truly worthy of being the White Jade Palace (Bạch Ngọc Kinh) on Earth, and representing the Great Way of the Third Era of Universal Salvation (Đại Đạo Tam Kỳ Phổ Độ).