【記者　黃榆荏／嘉義民雄報導】

在臺灣，廟宇中的裝飾普遍以吉祥寓意或民間戲曲故事為主題，但是位於嘉義縣民雄鄉的大士爺廟，卻以地獄圖的木雕作為門口的裝飾，十分特別。民雄大士爺廟主要供奉觀音菩薩與大士爺，每年一度的農曆普渡祭典——「民雄大士爺祭」更是嘉義縣的年度宗教盛事之一。

民雄信仰中心　年度盛事大士爺祭

大士爺廟是嘉義縣民雄鄉的重要信仰中心之一。當外地遊客造訪此廟宇時，當地的長者會熱情地分享大士爺的歷史和傳說，並將祂稱為「大士爺伯」、「打貓大士」或「民雄大士」。一年一度的農曆普渡祭典——「民雄大士爺祭」是嘉義縣的年度宗教盛事之一，吸引了眾多民眾前來參與，使得民雄街上充滿了熱鬧的氣氛。

在大士爺廟服務超過十年的廟務人員黃小姐表示，每年大士爺祭都會招募志工幫忙，而嘉義的鄉親都會非常熱情地參與志工，每年志工人數都會超過一百人，大家齊心協力，辛苦籌備著重要的祭典活動。

每年一度的民雄大士爺廟文化祭，於農曆7月21到23日連續3天舉辦祭禮，是民雄重要的文化慶典之一。【記者　黃榆荏／擷取自大士爺廟官網】

民雄大士爺廟　地獄主題裝飾

大士爺廟不僅以年度祭典著稱，廟門上的裝飾亦別具一格。在大士爺廟三川殿的門板上，木雕藝術以其精細的工藝和獨特的主題而聞名。其中一件顯著的作品是描繪地獄場景的花窗木雕，這是一種在臺灣其它地方較少見的廟宇裝飾。在雕窗中有各種角色，包括書生、農夫、樵夫和漁夫。國立中正大學中國文學系楊玉君教授說：「在廟宇門口這個位置是很關鍵的，大部分的廟宇在門窗上的裝飾，普遍會是吉祥的圖案。有可能是我看過的廟宇不夠多，但我至今尚未看過，有其它廟宇以地獄的刑罰來當作主題做裝飾。」

三川殿作品展現了高度的工藝技巧和非凡的創意，主題聚焦於地獄的景象。作品中刻畫了判官審判、黑白無常的形象，以及罪人遭受的各種懲罰，如挖心、斷頭或炮烙等酷刑。這些雕刻不僅技藝精湛，也反映了大士爺神格的一部分，透過展現地獄的嚴酷景象來警醒世人。

關於廟中地獄圖裝飾的由來，國立中正大學中國文學系楊玉君教授表示，由於歷史悠久，具體來歷可能無法考證。然而，我們仍然能從這些精緻的作品中看到當時匠師在修建大士爺廟時，為了配合大士爺的神格所展現的巧思創作。

民雄大士爺廟的三川殿門口裝飾，不同於一般廟宇通常以吉祥故事為主的裝飾，而是罕見的地獄圖場景。【記者　黃榆荏／攝影】

大士爺傳說與由來　建立神格背景

關於大士爺的由來眾說紛紜，究竟祂是觀音大士的化身，還是觀音大士所收伏的鬼王呢？抑或是清朝皇帝嘉慶君所敕封的女婢？國立中正大學中國文學系的楊玉君教授表示，我們能從佛經、歷史記載及地方傳說，談這位神祇的身分。

《妙法蓮華經》提到，瑜珈燄口焦面鬼王，或稱面然大士即是觀音大士所化身。這些佛經記載，與三川殿門口的地獄圖相呼應，也突顯了大士爺神格的深厚背景。

國立中正大學中國文學系的楊玉君教授說：「在民雄還有一個有趣的在地傳說，據說大士爺是受嘉慶君敕封的女婢。傳說嘉慶君遊歷民雄時，觀察當地的山形，表示這裡是倒筆架山，只會出大士。一位女婢聽後，趕緊出來領旨受封為大士。這也解釋了為何民雄的大士爺是坐姿，而其他地方的大士爺多為站姿，因為祂曾受過皇帝的敕封。」

大士爺的身分眾說紛紜，可能是一位受嘉慶君敕封的女婢，或者是一位鬼王，也有人認為祂是觀音大士的化身。【記者　黃榆荏／攝影】

獨樹一格大士爺廟　民雄重要文化

大士爺的形象及由來在不同地區和文化背景中有著多種說法。民雄當地的傳說賦予了大士爺特殊的地位和身分，而佛經中的記載則增添了其鬼王的色彩。大士爺廟以其獨特的地獄圖裝飾和深厚的歷史背景，成為民雄乃至整個嘉義縣重要的信仰中心之一，這些信仰和傳說的交織，更是地方文化的重要象徵。
 

A Glimpse into Minxiong Dashiye Temple That Decorated by Wood Carvings in a Hellish Style

Translated by Huang Yi, zhen.

In Taiwan,The common temple theme is decorated with symbolic good fortune objects or stories from Taiwanese traditional folk drama stories.In contrast,Dashiye Temple, located in downtown Minxiong, is decorated with wood carvings in a hell-themed style. The primary deities enshrined at the temple are Guanyin Bodhisattva and Dashiye.The Minxiong Dashiye Feast, an annual celebration of the Lunar Ghost Festival, is one of the major festivities in Chiayi County.

Minxiong Dashiye Temple’s Unique Temple Decorations Showcase Artistic and Spiritual Heritage

According to the history of Minxiong Dashiye Temple, it is not only famous for its annual festival but also for the intricate carvings that adorn its temple doors.The intricate wooden carving on the doors is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and unique theme.One of the most significant creations is the carved wooden windows with intricate designs depicting scenes of hell.In a statement, Professor Yang Yujun from the Department of Chinese Literature at National Chung Cheng University said that this is a rare type of temple decoration that is less commonly seen in other parts of Taiwan.In the windows, there are various characters, including scholars, farmers, woodcutters, and fishermen.

Professor Yang stated that the position of the temple entrance holds great significance.The best part of the temple decorations on the windows is generally designed with auspicious patterns.Maybe I just haven’t visited many temples. However, I haven’t come across any other temples so far that feature scenes of punishment in hell as their main decorative theme.

The works exhibited inside San Chuan Hall highlight the temple’s exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding artistic imagination.The hell scene centers around the theme of punishment. In other words, these works portray the trial of the judge and the Black and White Wuchang, the underworld messengers, as well as various types of punishments for wrongdoers, such as heart extraction, beheading, or being boiled in a cauldron of oil.The carvings represent both remarkable craftsmanship and part of Dashiye's divine identity, depicting the cruel hell scene to warn people.

Professor Yang commented that, since the history is too long to verify the specific origin of these decorations in Dashiye Temple, we can still find the inventive representation of Dashiye's divine identity in these beautiful works created by the craftsmen while building the temple.

Where is Dashiye's divine identity folklore from?

The history of Dashiye’s origin is told in numerous versions. Is he an embodiment of Guanyin Bodhisattva, the King of Ghosts controlled by Guanyin Bodhisattva, or perhaps a handmaiden bestowed by Emperor Jiaqing of the Qing Dynasty?Professor Yang Yujun mentioned that the origins of the deity can be explored through Buddhist scriptures, historical records, and local folklore.

According to the ‘Lotus Sutra,’ the ‘Yogacara Flame-mouth Fiery-faced King,’ also known as ‘Mianran Dashi,’ is the avatar of the Guanyin Bodhisattva. The hell scene on the doors in San Chuan Hall symbolizes the Buddhist scriptures, highlighting the deep historical background of Dashiye's divine identity.

Professor Yang said that there is an interesting local legend in Minxiong. According to the legend, Dashiye was a handmaiden granted the title by Emperor Jiaqing of the Qing Dynasty. It is said that Emperor Jiaqing visited Minxiong during his reign and, upon noticing the surrounding mountain features, declared that Daobijia Mountain was the origin of the Dashi deity. A handmaiden quickly emerged to receive the imperial decree and was bestowed the title of Dashi. This is why the Dashiye in Minxiong is depicted seated, while in other areas, Dashiye statues are usually shown standing, in accordance with the imperial decree.

Once-a-year Ceremony:Minxiong Dashiye Feast

Dashiye Temple is a major religious center in Minxiong Township, Chiayi County. When out-of-town tourists visit the temple, local elders passionately share the history and folklore of Dashiye, referring to him as "Dashiye Bo," "Damao Dashi," or "Minxiong Dashi." The annual Lunar Ghost Festival, known as the Minxiong Dashiye Feast, is one of the important rituals in Chiayi County. This feast attracts large crowds and brings a lively atmosphere to the streets of Minxiong.

Ms. Huang, a temple staff who has served at the Dashiye Temple for over ten years, stated that they recruit volunteers to help prepare for the annual festival,and the people of Chiayi are always enthusiastic in participating as volunteers,usually over 100, and work together with one heart.

Dashiye temple is One of a kind and significant belief in Minxiong

The image and history of Dashiye have been interpreted in various ways across different regions and cultural backgrounds. In Minxiong, local folklore grants Dashiye a unique identity and role, while records in Buddhist scriptures add depth to his portrayal as the King of Ghosts. Due to the temple’s distinctive hell-themed decorations and rich historical background, Dashiye Temple has become one of the most significant centers of faith in Minxiong and even throughout Chiayi County. The blend of belief and folklore it represents stands as a cultural landmark of the region.

By Huang Yu-ren, reporting from Chaiyi City.