佛教寺(si)院竹(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)溪(xi)(xi)寺(si)曾為(wei)(wei)清代臺(tai)(tai)灣(wan)佛教三大(da)名(ming)剎(cha)之一。清初至民國初年,該寺(si)為(wei)(wei)臺(tai)(tai)灣(wan)佛教徒崇仰的中心,有(you)重要(yao)影(ying)響(xiang)。竹(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)溪(xi)(xi)寺(si)前(qian)臨溪(xi)(xi)流(liu),沿畔幽篁(huang)成(cheng)蔭。三川門、拜殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)、主(zhu)殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)與后殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)均為(wei)(wei)三層樓,屋頂采(cai)歇山重詹的宮殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)布局(ju),飾(shi)有(you)斗栱(gong)、彩繪、雀替(ti)、重詹等華麗雕琢(zhuo),兩側還有(you)鐘鼓樓及禪房,內部采(cai)西(xi)式結構,大(da)門則為(wei)(wei)落地窗,外觀(guan)呈中西(xi)合璧,白墻綠瓦佇立于溪(xi)(xi)谷(gu)低地,形勢壯(zhuang)闊雄(xiong)(xiong)(xiong)偉,僅存山門為(wei)(wei)昔日舊構,燕脊重詹,紅磚黑瓦、鏤空(kong)雕花,上書“竹(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)溪(xi)(xi)古寺(si)”,顯得格外古樸。正殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)是大(da)雄(xiong)(xiong)(xiong)寶殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian),供奉釋迦牟尼佛;后殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)為(wei)(wei)觀(guan)音殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian),左右(you)羅(luo)列十八羅(luo)漢,旁祀媽祖、關帝神(shen)像;兩尊白象雄(xiong)(xiong)(xiong)踞拜殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)前(qian)左右(you)兩側,益增禪林氣息(xi)。竹(zhu)(zhu)(zhu)溪(xi)(xi)寺(si)歷史(shi)悠久,寺(si)內題詩、聯句(ju)和匾額相當多(duo),大(da)雄(xiong)(xiong)(xiong)寶殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)內所懸“了然(ran)世界”,名(ming)列府城三大(da)名(ming)匾,頗富禪意。
臺(tai)(tai)灣(wan)(wan)(wan)省古老的寺(si)院(yuan)。位(wei)于(yu)(yu)(yu)臺(tai)(tai)南(nan)市區。創建(jian)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)代(dai)(dai)(dai)眾說(shuo)(shuo)紛紜(yun),一(yi)(yi)說(shuo)(shuo)建(jian)于(yu)(yu)(yu)明(ming)·永歷(li)(li)十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)五年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1661),或說(shuo)(shuo)十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)八年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)末、十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)九年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)初;一(yi)(yi)說(shuo)(shuo)清(qing)(qing)(qing)·康熙(xi)(xi)二(er)(er)十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)二(er)(er)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)1683所(suo)建(jian),或說(shuo)(shuo)三(san)(san)十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)二(er)(er)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)。初名(ming)小(xiao)西天寺(si),以寺(si)旁綠竹茂密,林中溪(xi)(xi)(xi)流激湍,故又名(ming)竹溪(xi)(xi)(xi)寺(si)。后(hou)遭(zao)風雨(yu)侵蝕,堂宇陳腐不(bu)堪,經清(qing)(qing)(qing)·乾隆、嘉慶、光緒年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)間的三(san)(san)度維修(xiu)(xiu),寺(si)貌煥然一(yi)(yi)新(xin);復經民(min)初以來歷(li)(li)代(dai)(dai)(dai)住(zhu)持的增建(jian),遂具今日規模。本寺(si)與(yu)(yu)開(kai)元(yuan)、法(fa)華(hua)二(er)(er)寺(si)為(wei)(wei)清(qing)(qing)(qing)末至民(min)初,全臺(tai)(tai)灣(wan)(wan)(wan)佛(fo)教(jiao)的大本營。竹溪(xi)(xi)(xi)寺(si)原名(ming)小(xiao)西天寺(si),因臨竹溪(xi)(xi)(xi)而(er)改名(ming)為(wei)(wei)竹溪(xi)(xi)(xi)寺(si),位(wei)在(zai)巿區南(nan)側,建(jian)于(yu)(yu)(yu)明(ming)永歷(li)(li)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)間。竹溪(xi)(xi)(xi)寺(si)歷(li)(li)經多次(ci)整修(xiu)(xiu),現貌為(wei)(wei)中西合璧,與(yu)(yu)原貌大不(bu)相同;屋頂采宮(gong)殿(dian)式,大門為(wei)(wei)西式落(luo)地窗,造型特別。正殿(dian)大雄寶殿(dian),供(gong)奉釋迦牟(mou)尼佛(fo);后(hou)殿(dian)為(wei)(wei)觀(guan)音,羅(luo)(luo)列十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)八羅(luo)(luo)漢,旁祀媽祖、關帝神(shen)像。竹溪(xi)(xi)(xi)寺(si)歷(li)(li)史悠久。值得前往觀(guan)覽。竹溪(xi)(xi)(xi)寺(si)依山(shan)傍水,竹溪(xi)(xi)(xi)潺潺流過,上有吊橋連對岸,溪(xi)(xi)(xi)畔(pan)繁花茂盛(sheng),竹林蒼翠(cui),頗(po)為(wei)(wei)清(qing)(qing)(qing)幽。臺(tai)(tai)灣(wan)(wan)(wan)較(jiao)早的寺(si)院(yuan)。永歷(li)(li)三(san)(san)十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)七年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)即清(qing)(qing)(qing)·康熙(xi)(xi)二(er)(er)十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi) 二(er)(er)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)(1683)鄭(zheng)成(cheng)功(gong)裔孫鄭(zheng)克塽降清(qing)(qing)(qing),經設一(yi)(yi)府(fu)(fu)三(san)(san)縣(xian)(xian),府(fu)(fu)名(ming)臺(tai)(tai)灣(wan)(wan)(wan)府(fu)(fu),縣(xian)(xian)為(wei)(wei)臺(tai)(tai)灣(wan)(wan)(wan)、鳳山(shan)及諸羅(luo)(luo)等三(san)(san)縣(xian)(xian)。康熙(xi)(xi)三(san)(san)十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)二(er)(er)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)臺(tai)(tai)灣(wan)(wan)(wan)府(fu)(fu)第二(er)(er)任知(zhi)府(fu)(fu)吳(wu)國柱(zhu)倡議(yi)于(yu)(yu)(yu)寺(si)旁建(jian)書院(yuan),士庶(shu)輦石輸材,諭(yu)禁不(bu)能止,稱為(wei)(wei)竹溪(xi)(xi)(xi)書院(yuan),經塑肖像祀焉。此據清(qing)(qing)(qing)領后(hou)十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)一(yi)(yi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),即康熙(xi)(xi)三(san)(san)十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)三(san)(san)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)較(jiao)早纂(zuan)修(xiu)(xiu)《臺(tai)(tai)灣(wan)(wan)(wan)府(fu)(fu)志(zhi)》有所(suo)記(ji)載。該志(zhi)對清(qing)(qing)(qing)領后(hou)創建(jian)之各寺(si)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)代(dai)(dai)(dai)均(jun)有記(ji)述,竹溪(xi)(xi)(xi)寺(si)則(ze)未記(ji),似非在(zai)清(qing)(qing)(qing)領十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)一(yi)(yi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)內新(xin)建(jian),因年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)代(dai)(dai)(dai)已(yi)久,修(xiu)(xiu)志(zhi)時已(yi)無(wu)法(fa)查考(kao),或未便(bian)明(ming)記(ji)所(suo)致(zhi),其創建(jian)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)代(dai)(dai)(dai)即可證實(shi)系建(jian)自明(ming)鄭(zheng)時期。又據三(san)(san)十(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)第二(er)(er)任臺(tai)(tai)灣(wan)(wan)(wan)府(fu)(fu)同知(zhi)齊體物所(suo)詠竹溪(xi)(xi)(xi)寺(si)詩,有梵(fan)宮(gong)偏(pian)得占名(ming)山(shan),屼作蠻州(zhou)第一(yi)(yi)觀(guan)之句,其含義為(wei)(wei)此寺(si)占得名(ming)山(shan)且為(wei)(wei)臺(tai)(tai)島(dao)之第一(yi)(yi)寺(si)院(yuan)。
全臺(tai)灣(wan)看起來(lai)(lai),要以竹(zhu)(zhu)溪寺(si)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)大(da)殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)為(wei)(wei)較(jiao)(jiao)最大(da),寺(si)內(nei)主佛為(wei)(wei)觀音菩薩,寺(si)廟的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)布(bu)局(ju)(ju)大(da)多是(shi)(shi)(shi)正(zheng)面(mian)(mian)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)路為(wei)(wei)山門,山門內(nei)左(zuo)右分別(bie)為(wei)(wei)鐘樓(lou)、鼓樓(lou),正(zheng)面(mian)(mian)是(shi)(shi)(shi)天(tian)王殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian),殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)內(nei)有(you)(you)四大(da)金(jin)剛塑像(xiang),后(hou)(hou)面(mian)(mian)依次為(wei)(wei)大(da)雄寶殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)和(he)藏經(jing)(jing)樓(lou),僧房、齋堂(tang)則分列正(zheng)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)路左(zuo)右兩側。大(da)雄寶殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)是(shi)(shi)(shi)佛寺(si)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)重要、龐大(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)建(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu),大(da)雄即(ji)為(wei)(wei)佛祖(zu)釋加牟尼(ni)。隋(sui)唐以前(qian)(qian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)佛寺(si),一(yi)般在(zai)寺(si)前(qian)(qian)或宅院(yuan)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)心造塔,隋(sui)唐以后(hou)(hou),佛殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)普遍代(dai)替了(le)佛塔,寺(si)廟內(nei)大(da)都另(ling)辟(pi)塔院(yuan)。中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)佛寺(si)不論規模(mo)地(di)點,其(qi)建(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)布(bu)局(ju)(ju)是(shi)(shi)(shi)有(you)(you)一(yi)定規律的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de):平面(mian)(mian)方(fang)形(xing)(xing)(xing),以山門殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)——天(tian)王殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)——大(da)雄寶殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)——本寺(si)主供菩薩殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)——法堂(tang)——藏經(jing)(jing)樓(lou)這(zhe)條南北縱深(shen)軸線來(lai)(lai)組(zu)織空(kong)間(jian),對(dui)稱穩重且(qie)整飭嚴謹。沿著這(zhe)條中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)軸線,前(qian)(qian)后(hou)(hou)建(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)起承轉合,宛若一(yi)曲前(qian)(qian)呼后(hou)(hou)應、氣韻(yun)生動的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)樂章。中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)寺(si)廟的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)建(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)之美就響應在(zai)群山、松柏(bo)、流水、殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)落(luo)與亭廊的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)相互(hu)呼應之間(jian),含蓄溫(wen)蘊,展(zhan)示出組(zu)合變(bian)幻所賦予的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)和(he)諧、寧靜及(ji)韻(yun)味。中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)古人在(zai)建(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)格(ge)局(ju)(ju)上(shang)有(you)(you)很深(shen)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)陰陽(yang)宇宙觀和(he)崇尚對(dui)稱、秩序(xu)、穩定的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)審美心理。因此中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)佛寺(si)融合了(le)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)特有(you)(you)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)祭祀祖(zu)宗(zong)(zong)、天(tian)地(di)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)功能。此外(wai),園林(lin)式(shi)建(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)格(ge)局(ju)(ju)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)佛寺(si)在(zai)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)也(ye)較(jiao)(jiao)普遍。這(zhe)兩種(zhong)藝術(shu)(shu)格(ge)局(ju)(ju)使中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)寺(si)院(yuan)既(ji)有(you)(you)典雅莊重的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)廟堂(tang)氣氛,又極富自然情趣,且(qie)意(yi)境深(shen)遠。寺(si)廟建(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)全國(guo)各地(di)比(bi)比(bi)皆是(shi)(shi)(shi),不論是(shi)(shi)(shi)建(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)規模(mo),還是(shi)(shi)(shi)建(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)藝術(shu)(shu)都是(shi)(shi)(shi)被中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)外(wai)旅游(you)者(zhe)所稱絕(jue)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)。天(tian)王殿(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)兩側是(shi)(shi)(shi)四大(da)天(tian)王彩塑像(xiang),高(gao)各八米(mi),個(ge)個(ge)身(shen)披重甲。其(qi)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)兩個(ge)形(xing)(xing)(xing)態(tai)威(wei)武,兩個(ge)神色和(he)善,俗稱四大(da)金(jin)剛。看這(zhe)座門樓(lou),它高(gao)達20米(mi),寬(kuan)4.5米(mi),全系(xi)青(qing)、白崗石砌疊而成的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de),是(shi)(shi)(shi)一(yi)個(ge)三層穹(qiong)形(xing)(xing)(xing)頂(ding)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)尖拱門,分外(wai)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)、內(nei)三層,在(zai)外(wai)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)兩層的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)上(shang)部(bu)都有(you)(you)青(qing)石作圓形(xing)(xing)(xing)穹(qiong)頂(ding),有(you)(you)著和(he)我國(guo)古建(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)“藻井”相類似的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)石構圖案,頂(ding)蓋采用中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)傳統的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)蓮花圖案,門樓(lou)正(zheng)額(e)橫嵌(qian)阿拉伯文浮雕石刻,寫道:“真主秉(bing)公作證(zheng),除(chu)他外(wai),絕(jue)無應受崇拜(bai)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de);眾天(tian)神和(he)一(yi)般學者(zhe),也(ye)這(zhe)樣作證(zheng),除(chu)他外(wai),絕(jue)無應受崇拜(bai)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de),他是(shi)(shi)(shi)萬(wan)能的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de),是(shi)(shi)(shi)至睿的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)所喜悅的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)宗(zong)(zong)教,石刻,上(shang)面(mian)(mian)記載(zai)著竹(zhu)(zhu)溪寺(si)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)創建(jian)年代(dai)重修時間(jian)以及(ji)較(jiao)(jiao)早的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)名稱,門樓(lou)頂(ding)層是(shi)(shi)(shi)望(wang)月臺(tai),決(jue)定起齋日期的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)地(di)方(fang),臺(tai)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)周圍三面(mian)(mian)建(jian)筑(zhu)(zhu)回(hui)字形(xing)(xing)(xing)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)垛子(zi),像(xiang)城堞一(yi)樣,別(bie)有(you)(you)風(feng)致(zhi),平臺(tai)上(shang)原來(lai)(lai)還有(you)(you)望(wang)月樓(lou)和(he)尖塔,清朝(chao)初年倒坍了(le)。
竹溪寺(si)(si)(si)(si)依山傍水(shui),松柏長青,花(hua)草遍地,山後水(shui)庫截河十(shi)幾(ji)里,碧(bi)波粼(lin)粼(lin),涵照萬(wan)象。進(jin)了(le)山門,拾級而升,各殿(dian)門前(qian)的(de)(de)(de)(de)漢白玉(yu)石獅威(wei)猛無(wu)比(bi),正殿(dian)內(nei)(nei)供奉(feng)威(wei)儀莊(zhuang)嚴的(de)(de)(de)(de)貼金諸佛菩薩尊者像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang),端莊(zhuang)肅穆(mu)。偏(pian)殿(dian)供藥(yao)殿(dian)佛、地藏(zang)菩請(qing)看這里是(shi)寺(si)(si)(si)(si)內(nei)(nei)的(de)(de)(de)(de)宣禮(li)(li)塔的(de)(de)(de)(de)塔址(zhi),當(dang)年(nian),宣禮(li)(li)塔塔形如柱,高(gao)聳奇偉,殿(dian)正中(zhong),佛祖(zu)釋(shi)(shi)迦(jia)牟(mou)尼像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)高(gao)踞(ju)蓮花(hua)座之上,妙(miao)相莊(zhuang)嚴,頷首俯視(shi),令人(ren)敬畏。這是(shi)中(zhong)國較高(gao)大(da)(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)木雕坐式(shi)(shi)佛像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)之一。釋(shi)(shi)祖(zu)像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)后壁為(wei)《五十(shi)三(san)(san)(san)參》彩繪群(qun)塑(su)(su),共有姿態各異的(de)(de)(de)(de)大(da)(da)(da)小佛教塑(su)(su)像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)一百五十(shi)尊,表現的(de)(de)(de)(de)是(shi)佛經(jing)中(zhong)財(cai)童子歷經(jing)磨難參拜(bai)五十(shi)三(san)(san)(san)位《善知(zhi)識》名(ming)師,終(zhong)于得證佛果 的(de)(de)(de)(de)故事(shi)。這座內(nei)(nei)容(rong)豐富形象生(sheng)動的(de)(de)(de)(de)壁塑(su)(su)的(de)(de)(de)(de)主像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)是(shi)足踏(ta)鰲背,手執凈瓶的(de)(de)(de)(de)觀(guan)世(shi)音菩薩,她意態瀟灑,祥和地接受著(zhu)善財(cai)童子的(de)(de)(de)(de)參拜(bai)。釋(shi)(shi)迦(jia)牟(mou)尼造像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)靈隱寺(si)(si)(si)(si)的(de)(de)(de)(de)原(yuan)釋(shi)(shi)迦(jia)牟(mou)尼佛像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang),這座佛像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)是(shi)在(zai)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)修寺(si)(si)(si)(si)宇時,由浙江(jiang)美術學院(yuan)的(de)(de)(de)(de)雕塑(su)(su)家和民(min)間藝人(ren)們采用唐(tang)代(dai)禪宗(zong)佛像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)為(wei)藍(lan)本共同精心設計的(de)(de)(de)(de)。佛像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)高(gao)十(shi)九點六米,比(bi)原(yuan)先的(de)(de)(de)(de)釋(shi)(shi)迦(jia)造像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)高(gao)一倍多(duo),用近(jin)百塊香樟木雕成(cheng)(cheng)。佛像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)造型端莊(zhuang)凝(ning)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong),低(di)眉細目,氣韶生(sheng)動,極度具風(feng)采。藥(yao)師殿(dian)為(wei)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)建,殿(dian)中(zhong)供奉(feng)藥(yao)師佛像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)及日天、月天。殿(dian)左,有重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)建的(de)(de)(de)(de)羅漢堂,陳(chen)列(lie)五百羅漢像(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)(xiang)線刻石。寺(si)(si)(si)(si)院(yuan)內(nei)(nei)還有配殿(dian)四(si)座立(li)于院(yuan)落兩側,布局嚴謹,排列(lie)有序,形成(cheng)(cheng)一組完整的(de)(de)(de)(de)寺(si)(si)(si)(si)院(yuan)建筑群(qun)。第(di)三(san)(san)(san)進(jin)院(yuan)為(wei)藏(zang)經(jing)樓,該樓當(dang)時收藏(zang)明、清版本經(jing)卷(juan)720余(yu)部,以(yi)及大(da)(da)(da)量珍貴文物(wu)。竹溪寺(si)(si)(si)(si)自(zi)建成(cheng)(cheng)、開光以(yi)來,寺(si)(si)(si)(si)內(nei)(nei)香火不斷,每逢農(nong)歷四(si)月初八廟(miao)會之日,寺(si)(si)(si)(si)內(nei)(nei)大(da)(da)(da)開道場,寺(si)(si)(si)(si)外搭臺唱(chang)戲,焚香進(jin)供者絡繹不絕(jue),前(qian)來逛(guang)廟(miao)者人(ren)山人(ren)海(hai),三(san)(san)(san)天的(de)(de)(de)(de)廟(miao)會,熱鬧非(fei)常(chang)。每逢農(nong)歷,還舉行(xing)盂蘭盆會儀式(shi)(shi),備百味飲食,供養十(shi)方僧眾,放焰口,廟(miao)里廟(miao)外,非(fei)常(chang)隆重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。
寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)內歷(li)(li)史(shi)永歷(li)(li)五年(nian)(nian)(nian)1651沈(shen)光文(wen)遇(yu)颶(ju)風漂流(liu)至臺(tai)灣(wan),初播(bo)中(zhong)國文(wen)化(hua)。十(shi)五年(nian)(nian)(nian)延(yan)王鄭(zheng)成功率軍渡臺(tai)驅(qu)逐紅毛為(wei)復明(ming)(ming)基地,經(jing)(jing)(jing)置東都(dou),設承天(tian)府(fu)并(bing)天(tian)興、萬(wan)年(nian)(nian)(nian)兩縣治理(li)。十(shi)八年(nian)(nian)(nian)嗣(si)王鄭(zheng)經(jing)(jing)(jing) 放棄金、廈回臺(tai),改東都(dou)為(wei)東寧,升(sheng)天(tian)興、萬(wan)年(nian)(nian)(nian)二(er)縣為(wei)二(er)州,裁(cai)承天(tian)府(fu)。是時經(jing)(jing)(jing)州守倡建(jian)梵宮于南郊南溪之旁(pang),顏曰(yue)小西天(tian)。此時有(you)沈(shen)光文(wen)所詠(yong)詩題(ti)︰州守新構僧舍于南溪,人多往游,余(yu)未(wei)及也。可以(yi)證明(ming)(ming)。沈(shen)氏(shi)窗蝴詩不(bu)久(jiu)因(yin)(yin)寓(yu)諷鄭(zheng)經(jing)(jing)(jing)之賦被才,幾(ji)罹不(bu)測,經(jing)(jing)(jing)變服入(ru)山為(wei)僧,故小西天(tian)寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)系在(zai)二(er)縣升(sheng)州之后,沈(shen)氏(shi)逃禪之前,亦(yi)(yi)即在(zai)十(shi)八年(nian)(nian)(nian)末,或(huo)十(shi)九年(nian)(nian)(nian)初所建(jian),乃臺(tai)島較早(zao)興建(jian)之寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)院(yuan)。嗣(si)因(yin)(yin)南溪沿畔綠竹(zhu)(zhu)成蔭,風景宜人,另名(ming)竹(zhu)(zhu)溪,因(yin)(yin)是寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)名(ming)亦(yi)(yi)隨之稱為(wei)竹(zhu)(zhu)溪寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)。臺(tai)灣(wan)史(shi)學家盧嘉興考(kao)證,竹(zhu)(zhu)溪寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)為(wei)臺(tai)灣(wan)第(di)一(yi)座寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)院(yuan)。據其考(kao)正結果(guo),臺(tai)灣(wan)建(jian)于明(ming)(ming)朝時期的(de)三(san)座佛寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)中(zhong),較早(zao)的(de)為(wei)竹(zhu)(zhu)溪寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si),次為(wei)彌陀寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si),再次為(wei)龍(long)湖巖。竹(zhu)(zhu)溪寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)因(yin)(yin)年(nian)(nian)(nian)代(dai)久(jiu)遠(yuan),于乾隆五十(shi)四年(nian)(nian)(nian)1789經(jing)(jing)(jing)里人蔡和生倡修(xiu),嘉慶元年(nian)(nian)(nian)1796黃(huang)鐘岳等(deng)再募捐(juan)重(zhong)修(xiu),嘉慶二(er)十(shi)三(san)年(nian)(nian)(nian)董事(shi)劉(liu)延(yan)貴復修(xiu),光緒十(shi)二(er)年(nian)(nian)(nian)1886候通(tong)判鮑復康再重(zhong)修(xiu)一(yi)次。日據時代(dai)上官玄、林(lin)神(shen)等(deng)人見(jian)寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)宇破損(sun),殿閣(ge)(ge)荒(huang)無,決(jue)(jue)心(xin)聘(pin)一(yi)住持整頓(dun)。日據時代(dai)上官玄、林(lin)神(shen)等(deng)人見(jian)寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)宇破損(sun),殿閣(ge)(ge)荒(huang)蕪,決(jue)(jue)心(xin)聘(pin)一(yi)住持整頓(dun)。竹(zhu)(zhu)溪民間相傳,人死后魂(hun)魄要先到寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)廟(miao)(miao)報到,接(jie)受(shou)初審(shen),根據其生前善惡功過,決(jue)(jue)定上天(tian)堂或(huo)下地獄,因(yin)(yin)此對寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)廟(miao)(miao)里的(de)祖(zu)師(shi)爺(ye)(ye)甚為(wei)敬畏;由(you)于祖(zu)師(shi)爺(ye)(ye)對于轄區百姓行(xing)止(zhi)瞭若指掌,遇(yu)有(you)親(qin)人行(xing)蹤不(bu)明(ming)(ming),每(mei)(mei)每(mei)(mei)到此求簽問卜。每(mei)(mei)年(nian)(nian)(nian)農歷(li)(li)3月3日祖(zu)師(shi)爺(ye)(ye)誕辰,祖(zu)師(shi)爺(ye)(ye)按例于誕辰前夜行(xing)轄境,探(tan)訪民情(qing)。竹(zhu)(zhu)溪寺(si)(si)(si)(si)(si)廟(miao)(miao)成為(wei)每(mei)(mei)年(nian)(nian)(nian)度熱鬧的(de)就是廟(miao)(miao)會。
每(mei)(mei)當(dang)到了(le)竹溪(xi)寺院,感(gan)受(shou)到一(yi)(yi)份超塵的(de)(de)(de)(de)清(qing)凈(jing)與(yu)安(an)祥,生(sheng)起了(le)一(yi)(yi)份莊嚴與(yu)寧靜的(de)(de)(de)(de)心,令(ling)人(ren)(ren)自(zi)然(ran)而(er)然(ran)的(de)(de)(de)(de)想(xiang)(xiang)進(jin)入大(da)(da)殿,禮(li)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)三拜(bai)(bai)(bai),表達對諸佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)菩(pu)薩的(de)(de)(de)(de)禮(li)敬(jing)、感(gan)恩(en),而(er)從(cong)柔軟、徐緩而(er)安(an)詳(xiang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)彎(wan)(wan)腰(yao)禮(li)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)動(dong)作(zuo)里,感(gan)受(shou)到禮(li)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)者的(de)(de)(de)(de)安(an)定與(yu)謙卑。不(bu)(bu)(bu)解佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)教的(de)(de)(de)(de)人(ren)(ren),認(ren)(ren)為(wei)拜(bai)(bai)(bai)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)就是(shi)(shi)迷信、崇拜(bai)(bai)(bai)偶像。事實上,佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)教是(shi)(shi)透過拜(bai)(bai)(bai)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)動(dong)作(zuo),禮(li)敬(jing)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)菩(pu)薩,表達對佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)、法(fa)、僧三寶的(de)(de)(de)(de)尊敬(jing)與(yu)感(gan)恩(en);同(tong)時(shi),拜(bai)(bai)(bai)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)也(ye)可(ke)同(tong)時(shi)懺悔自(zi)己所造的(de)(de)(de)(de)惡業。所以(yi)(yi)(yi),拜(bai)(bai)(bai)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)是(shi)(shi)每(mei)(mei)一(yi)(yi)位佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)教徒首先(xian)要(yao)(yao)學習的(de)(de)(de)(de)宗教儀(yi)式。拜(bai)(bai)(bai)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)動(dong)作(zuo),是(shi)(shi)心誠(cheng)意(yi)敬(jing)的(de)(de)(de)(de)將雙(shuang)手合掌,低(di)頭(tou)彎(wan)(wan)腰(yao),五體投地-兩肘兩膝以(yi)(yi)(yi)及額頭(tou)著地,完(wan)成(cheng)頭(tou)面接觸(chu)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)足的(de)(de)(de)(de)較高(gao)敬(jing)禮(li),故又(you)稱為(wei)頂(ding)禮(li)。彎(wan)(wan)腰(yao)低(di)頭(tou)表示謙虛(xu),承認(ren)(ren)自(zi)己的(de)(de)(de)(de)福(fu)德智(zhi)慧不(bu)(bu)(bu)足,而(er)當(dang)五體投地,接觸(chu)到大(da)(da)地時(shi),則令(ling)人(ren)(ren)感(gan)動(dong)于大(da)(da)地孕(yun)育眾生(sheng),負載眾生(sheng),涵容一(yi)(yi)切的(de)(de)(de)(de)精神(shen),所以(yi)(yi)(yi),能(neng)(neng)懷(huai)著感(gan)恩(en)心,以(yi)(yi)(yi)飲水思源的(de)(de)(de)(de)心,感(gan)謝大(da)(da)地,感(gan)謝一(yi)(yi)切眾生(sheng)。而(er)從(cong)拜(bai)(bai)(bai)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)動(dong)作(zuo),讓人(ren)(ren)連(lian)想(xiang)(xiang)到,當(dang)人(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)(de)(de)內心充滿了(le)禮(li)敬(jing)、感(gan)恩(en)與(yu)懺悔時(shi),也(ye)有(you)(you)如稻(dao)穗一(yi)(yi)樣(yang)的(de)(de)(de)(de),因成(cheng)熟而(er)下垂;而(er)拜(bai)(bai)(bai)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)意(yi)義(yi),也(ye)就是(shi)(shi)如此了(le)。信佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)的(de)(de)(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)越(yue)來越(yue)多(duo)(duo),每(mei)(mei)年(nian)春節(jie)及農(nong)歷初一(yi)(yi)、十(shi)五等日(ri)期,廣大(da)(da)民(min)眾有(you)(you)到竹溪(xi)燒(shao)香(xiang)(xiang)禮(li)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)、祈福(fu)求安(an)的(de)(de)(de)(de)習慣。旅(lv)游途中(zhong)參觀(guan)名寺大(da)(da)剎(cha),燒(shao)香(xiang)(xiang)拜(bai)(bai)(bai)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)也(ye)是(shi)(shi)很正(zheng)常的(de)(de)(de)(de),但是(shi)(shi),很多(duo)(duo)人(ren)(ren)并不(bu)(bu)(bu)知(zhi)道(dao)(dao)(dao)如何(he)燒(shao)香(xiang)(xiang)拜(bai)(bai)(bai)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo),為(wei)使十(shi)方善(shan)信種植福(fu)田、廣獲法(fa)益、正(zheng)善(shan)正(zheng)行(xing),以(yi)(yi)(yi)滿所愿,以(yi)(yi)(yi)祈共沾法(fa)益。寺廟建(jian)筑都(dou)有(you)(you)許多(duo)(duo)道(dao)(dao)(dao)門(men)(men),從(cong)哪一(yi)(yi)道(dao)(dao)(dao)門(men)(men)進(jin)入都(dou)有(you)(you)講究(jiu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)。據(ju)說只(zhi)有(you)(you)開(kai)了(le)光的(de)(de)(de)(de)寺廟才(cai)有(you)(you)資格修十(shi)三道(dao)(dao)(dao)門(men)(men)。正(zheng)中(zhong)間的(de)(de)(de)(de)三道(dao)(dao)(dao)門(men)(men),才(cai)是(shi)(shi)供(gong)人(ren)(ren)出(chu)(chu)入的(de)(de)(de)(de)。普(pu)通(tong)游客(ke),進(jin)門(men)(men)只(zhi)能(neng)(neng)走右(you)邊的(de)(de)(de)(de)那(nei)道(dao)(dao)(dao)門(men)(men),中(zhong)間那(nei)道(dao)(dao)(dao)門(men)(men)叫(jiao)空門(men)(men),只(zhi)有(you)(you)出(chu)(chu)家人(ren)(ren)才(cai)可(ke)以(yi)(yi)(yi)出(chu)(chu)入的(de)(de)(de)(de)。進(jin)門(men)(men)時(shi),男客(ke)先(xian)邁(mai)左(zuo)腳(jiao),女客(ke)先(xian)邁(mai)右(you)腳(jiao),而(er)且這步子(zi),需邁(mai)得越(yue)大(da)(da)越(yue)好。同(tong)時(shi)進(jin)廟內殿宇(yu)時(shi)應遵循(xun)左(zuo)門(men)(men)進(jin)右(you)門(men)(men)出(chu)(chu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)原則。注(zhu)意(yi):一(yi)(yi)定不(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)(neng)踩(cai)踏(ta)在門(men)(men)檻(jian)(據(ju)說門(men)(men)檻(jian)代(dai)表佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)祖的(de)(de)(de)(de)肩(jian)膀,當(dang)然(ran)不(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)(neng)踩(cai)踏(ta))之上。而(er)登臨(lin)第1和第6個臺階的(de)(de)(de)(de)行(xing)禮(li)意(yi)味著一(yi)(yi)心一(yi)(yi)意(yi)和六(liu)六(liu)大(da)(da)順的(de)(de)(de)(de)含義(yi)。禮(li)佛(fo)(fo)(fo)(fo)前,先(xian)要(yao)(yao)凈(jing)(洗)手。香(xiang)(xiang)不(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)(neng)叫(jiao)買而(er)應該叫(jiao)請。普(pu)通(tong)人(ren)(ren)敬(jing)香(xiang)(xiang)要(yao)(yao)用左(zuo)手持(據(ju)說右(you)手不(bu)(bu)(bu)凈(jing),普(pu)通(tong)人(ren)(ren)殺生(sheng)大(da)(da)多(duo)(duo)用右(you)手,三炷為(wei)自(zi)己祈福(fu),六(liu)炷為(wei)兩輩(bei)人(ren)(ren)祈福(fu),九炷為(wei)三代(dai)人(ren)(ren)祈福(fu)。而(er)十(shi)三是(shi)(shi)一(yi)(yi)個極(ji)致,十(shi)三炷香(xiang)(xiang)就是(shi)(shi)功德圓滿的(de)(de)(de)(de)高(gao)香(xiang)(xiang)。先(xian)燒(shao)香(xiang)(xiang)再叩頭(tou)。