信仰的堡壘: 一探紫雲巖的百年故事
今天要為大家介紹的是位於台中清水區的紫雲巖。這座有著百年歷史、文化底蘊深厚的寺廟，經歷過很多歷史事件，更是整個清水區非常重要的信仰中心。
Today, I’d like to introduce you to Ziyun Temple, located in Qingshui District, Taichung. This temple, with over a hundred years of history and rich cultural significance, has stood through many historic events and remains a vital spiritual center for the entire Qingshui area.
紫雲巖供奉著觀世音佛祖，又稱為「觀音亭」，是台中最大的觀音廟，正殿是兩層樓的建築，兩側各有一座鐘樓，廟頂鋪設醒目的金黃色瓦片。經過多次修建，現在看到的樣貌是民國六十一年重新整建完成的。廟內也有許多保留下來的古石碑，記錄著台灣早期拓荒的歷史。
Ziyun Temple is dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva and is also known locally as the “Guanyin Pavilion.” It’s the largest Guanyin temple in Taichung. The main hall is a two-story building with bell towers on each side, and its roof is covered in eye-catching golden tiles. After multiple renovations, the current structure we see today was completed in 1972. Inside, many ancient stone tablets are still preserved, recording the early days of Taiwan’s pioneer era.
建廟的由來
The Origin of the Temple
相傳很久以前，一位來自泉州的瓦匠從神岡出發，準備前往他鄉辦事。途中路過現在清水紫雲巖所在的位置時，因為突然想上廁所，便將隨身供奉的觀音菩薩香火袋暫時掛在路旁一棵大樹的樹梢上，然後前往如廁。沒想到，他離開時竟然忘了取回香火袋。
幾天後的某個夜晚，那棵樹突然發出祥和而明亮的光芒，照亮整片夜空。這奇特的景象引來附近居民的注意，大家紛紛前來圍觀，發現光芒正是從當初掛著香火袋的地方發出。居民們深感神奇，心中充滿敬畏，便自發地在樹下膜拜，認為這是觀音菩薩顯靈的象徵。為了感念神明，也為了延續這份信仰與感動，大家齊心協力，在這裡建立了一座廟宇，供奉觀音菩薩。這座廟宇，便是如今我們所見的清水紫雲巖。
According to legend, a bricklayer from Quanzhou was passing through what is now the site of Ziyun Temple on his way to take care of business. Needing to use the restroom, he temporarily hung the Guanyin incense pouch he carried on a tree branch before stepping away.
But he forgot to take the pouch with him when he left. A few days later, one night, the tree began to emit a soft and radiant glow, lighting up the night sky. This mysterious sight caught the attention of nearby villagers. When they came to check it out, they found the glow was coming from the very spot where the pouch had been left.
Moved and in awe, the villagers began worshiping under the tree, believing that Guanyin had revealed herself. Wanting to preserve this miracle and pass on the faith, they came together to build a temple on the site to honor Guanyin Bodhisattva. That temple is what we now know as Ziyun Temple.
集結清水力量的
中元普渡
The Ghost Festival
That Brings Qingshui Together
中元普渡是紫雲巖年度最重要的宗教盛事之一。每年農曆七月一日廟方就會展開一連串的準備。普渡活動由各里推派代表擲筊，選出三個主辦里，於廟前廣場設置供桌，攜手承辦整場法會，充分展現地方信仰與社區協作的精神。儀式當天，廟方會點起象徵召喚好兄弟的燈篙，昭告普渡儀式即將舉行，並邀請信眾與民眾前來參拜、參與盛會。
One of the most important annual religious events at Ziyun Temple is the Zhongyuan Pudu, or Ghost Festival ceremony. Preparations begin on the first day of the lunar seventh month. Representatives from different neighborhoods are selected through a ritual known as bwa bwei (moon blocks divination), and three groups are chosen to co-host the event. They set up offering tables in the temple square and work together to organize the entire ritual, showing the deep connection between local belief and community spirit.
普渡供桌上擺滿餅乾、罐頭、香燭與紙錢，展現誠敬與豐盛，法師則誦經超渡孤魂，信眾則雙手合十，虔誠祈求平安。透過整齊莊嚴的儀式安排，傳遞出對無主孤魂的慈悲與尊重，也讓信眾藉此獲得心靈上的安定與庇佑。中元普渡不僅是一場宗教儀式，更是一場有意義的文化活動，讓信仰深深融入在清水人的生活當中。
On the day of the ceremony, a tall pole with a lantern is lit to symbolically invite wandering spirits. The tables are filled with snacks, canned goods, incense, and paper money—offerings that show both sincerity and abundance. Taoist priests chant sutras to guide the spirits, while believers join hands in prayer, hoping for peace and blessings. This solemn and orderly ceremony expresses compassion and respect for the forgotten souls and gives worshippers a sense of emotional comfort and protection. More than just a religious ritual, it’s a cultural tradition deeply woven into the everyday lives of people in Qingshui.
慈悲的信仰精神
A Spirit of Compassion
在紫雲巖的普渡法會中，最特別的一點是對「無主孤魂」的重視。廟方會設立專門的「孤魂壇」，讓那些沒有親人、沒人拜的靈魂也能被照顧。這樣的安排讓人感受到，信仰不只是為自己祈福，更是一種慈悲與平等的展現。
信眾參與普渡，不只是單純「來拜一下」，而是透過誦經與燒紙錢，幫助被遺忘的靈魂得到安息。主委吳勝隆以及副主委紀文來表示:「紫雲巖用實際行動將為他人著想的精神傳遞出去，也讓每年農曆七月不再只是『鬼月』的代名詞，而是一段有溫度的信仰傳承。」
One of the most meaningful parts of Ziyunyan’s Ghost Festival is the care shown toward “wandering souls”—those without family or anyone to honor them. The temple sets up a special altar just for them, making sure even the forgotten spirits are remembered. It’s a powerful reminder that faith isn’t just about asking for blessings; it’s also about showing compassion and treating all beings with equal respect.
During the ritual, participants don’t just come to pray—they chant, burn joss paper, and offer their thoughts to help bring peace to these lonely spirits.
As Chairman Wu Sheng-Long and Vice Chairman Ji Wen-Lai said, “Ziyunyan carries this spirit of empathy into real actions. That’s why the seventh lunar month isn’t just known as Ghost Month anymore—it’s become a season of warmth, care, and a deeper kind of faith.”
黑面觀音的守護力量
The Protective Power of the Dark-Faced Guanyin
紫雲巖最特別的，就是廟裡供奉的「黑面觀音」。跟我們平常看到的白面觀音不太一樣，這尊觀音的臉色偏黑，感覺更莊嚴，也帶有一種強烈的守護力量。雖然這次沒機會問到為什麼紫雲巖會供奉黑面觀音，但聽說在民間信仰裡，黑面觀音常被認為有鎮煞、辟邪、降妖伏魔的能力，比一般觀音多了份威嚴和力量感。
很多信眾來這裡拜拜，不只是求平安，更多的是感受到像「有靠山」的感覺。黑面觀音就像是一位嚴肅但慈悲的守護者，默默守護著大家，這也讓紫雲巖在眾多觀音廟裡特別有記憶點。
One of the most unique features of Ziyun Temple is its dark-faced Guanyin statue. Unlike the white-faced statues commonly seen in temples, this one has a darker complexion, giving it a more solemn and powerful presence. Although I didn’t get the chance to ask about the specific reason behind this choice, I learned that in folk beliefs, dark-faced Guanyin is thought to have the ability to ward off evil, dispel misfortune, and subdue spirits—qualities that add a sense of authority and strength.
Many worshippers don’t just come here to pray for peace; they describe feeling a strong sense of being protected. This Guanyin feels like a silent but powerful guardian—serious on the outside but full of compassion on the inside. It’s this balance of love and strength that makes Ziyun Temple stand out among other Guanyin temples.
除了建築和儀式之外，廟裡也有很多很生活化的畫面。像是常常會看到一些婆婆坐在廟裡唸經，手上拿著佛珠，一邊默默唸著經文，一坐就是好幾個小時。有些信眾會來這裡躑杯、抽籤，神情很專注，看起來就像是在跟觀音佛祖對話一樣。這些畫面雖然很日常，但也很有溫度，讓人覺得這裡不只是觀光的古蹟，而是很多人真的把信仰放在心上的地方。
Beyond the architecture and rituals, the temple is also full of simple, everyday moments. You often see elderly women sitting quietly in corners, chanting sutras while turning their prayer beads—sometimes for hours at a time. Others come to cast divination blocks or draw fortune sticks, completely focused, as if having a private conversation with Guanyin. These scenes might seem ordinary, but they’re deeply moving. They remind you that this place isn’t just a historical monument—it’s a spiritual home for many.
文藝活動
Cultural Activities
除了舉辦宗教儀式外，也積極推動地方文教發展。每年編列高達3000萬的經費，用於辦理各類文藝活動，其中包括圍棋、花燈、書法等各種比賽，吸引不同的年齡層參與，展現對文化傳承的關懷，廟方也設立各式獎助學金制度，獎勵優秀學生，支持其學業及才藝上的發展，長期支持文教活動讓紫雲巖不再只是大家拜拜的地方，更成為清水地區重要的教育與文化中心，打破傳統廟宇的刻板印象。這種信仰與文藝並行的模式，不只吸引更多年輕人走入廟埕，也讓廟宇成為凝聚社區、活化地方文化的關鍵據點。
In addition to religious ceremonies, Ziyun Temple is also a strong supporter of local education and the arts. Each year, the temple allocates a budget of up to NT$30 million to organize various cultural events—everything from Go tournaments to lantern-making and calligraphy competitions. These activities attract people of all ages and show the temple’s dedication to preserving and passing on local traditions.
The temple also offers different types of scholarships to encourage students and support their academic or artistic pursuits. Over time, Ziyun Temple has grown from a place of worship into an educational and cultural hub, breaking the stereotype of temples being only for religious rituals.
This blend of faith and culture has drawn more young people into the temple grounds, turning it into a vibrant community space and a driving force for cultural revival in Qingshui.
廟後的寧靜空間
A Quiet Garden Behind the Temple
除了正殿和前埕，紫雲巖的後方還有一個很有特色的後花園。裡面有一座水池，池子裡有不少鯉魚悠游其中，看著牠們在水裡慢慢游來游去，讓人感覺很放鬆。再往後看，會看到一尊普陀山觀音像，觀音像的左右兩側分別是青龍和白虎的雕像，象徵守護和力量。
這個角落雖然不大，但整體佈景搭配得很完整，走進來就能感受到一種安靜又穩定的氛圍。很多信眾會在這裡停下腳步，靜靜祈福，或者坐在涼亭裡聊聊天、喝口茶。後花園不只是廟的一部分，更像是一個讓人放鬆下來、重新整理心情的小天地。
Behind the main hall and front courtyard, there’s a small garden that offers a completely different kind of experience. In the middle of the garden is a pond filled with koi fish slowly swimming around. Watching them glide through the water has a calming effect. At the back of the garden stands a statue of Guanyin from Mount Putuo, flanked by stone carvings of a green dragon and a white tiger—symbols of protection and power.
Though the space isn’t large, everything is thoughtfully arranged, creating a quiet and balanced atmosphere. Many worshippers like to stop here to pray, sit in the pavilion, chat, or sip tea. This garden feels like more than just part of the temple—it’s a peaceful retreat where people can pause and reset.
廟宇與地方的連結
Connection to the Community
紫雲巖能夠持續發展，不只是因為香火鼎盛，更因為它跟地方社區之間的關係非常緊密。不論是中元普渡還是文藝活動，都是由里民、志工、學生、廟方一起合作完成的。這不只是宗教活動，更是一種地方共同體的展現。
許多居民從小就在這裡拜拜、參加活動，甚至長大後回來當志工，陪著下一代一起參與。這樣的循環不斷延續下去，讓紫雲巖不只是歷史古蹟，更是清水人生活中重要的一部分。
The continued vitality of Ziyun Temple isn’t just because of its strong incense smoke—it’s because of the deep connection it maintains with the local community. Whether it’s organizing Ghost Festival rituals or cultural events, everything is done through cooperation between the temple, volunteers, students, and neighborhood leaders. These aren’t just religious activities—they’re expressions of a shared local identity.
Many people in Qingshui grew up coming here—first as children attending events or following their parents to pray, and later as adults returning to serve as volunteers. This sense of belonging is passed down from one generation to the next, keeping the temple alive and meaningful in people’s daily lives.
傳統與現代的對話
Tradition Meets Modern Life
雖然現在社會變得越來越快速，但紫雲巖一直都還是清水人生活中的一部分。不只是來拜拜的地方，也是很多人從小到大的回憶。不管是參加普渡、比賽、還是陪家人來參香，這座廟都默默地陪著大家成長。
紫雲巖從一開始的信仰中心，到現在慢慢延伸到文化、教育、活動推廣等不同面向，不只長輩會來參拜，也有越來越多年輕人參與。廟方也會辦活動、辦比賽，讓更多人願意走進來。雖然每個人信仰方式不一樣，但紫雲巖一直努力讓廟宇跟地方有更多連結。
這些看起來很日常的事，像是一炷香、一張獎狀、一場比賽，久了也都變成清水人的共同記憶。紫雲巖不是什麼遠得要命的古蹟，而是我們平常生活裡就會遇到的地方，也是一個讓人覺得安心、熟悉的存在。
Even as society becomes more fast-paced, Ziyun Temple remains a steady presence in the lives of people in Qingshui. It’s not just a place to pray—it’s part of everyday memories. Whether it’s taking part in a ceremony, joining a contest, or simply walking in with your family to light an incense stick, this temple has quietly accompanied people through different stages of life.
From its roots as a center of faith, Ziyun Temple has gradually expanded into a space that also supports culture, education, and community-building. Today, it’s not just the elderly who visit—the younger generation is also getting involved, thanks to events and activities hosted by the temple. Even though everyone connects with faith in their own way, Ziyun Temple keeps working to strengthen its ties with the community.
These small, everyday things—a single stick of incense, a certificate from a temple competition, a friendly neighborhood gathering—become shared memories over time. Ziyun Temple isn’t some faraway monument. It’s a familiar place that’s deeply woven into local life—a place where people feel safe, grounded, and at home.
受訪者: 吳勝隆主委、紀文來副主委
訪問小組: 蔡宛均、卓汶萱、李鈞裕、陳妍蒨