清代南鯤鯓廟興盛原因之探討—以民間傳說為主要分析對象

An exploration of the Reasons Why Qing Nankunjuan Temple Flourishes: Mainly through the Analyses of Folk Legends Mainly through the Analyses of Folk Legends

位在臺南北門偏鄉、被譽為王爺總廟的南鯤鯓代天府，在清代中葉已是全臺知名的廟宇。本文主要透過民間傳說的分析與解讀，指出該廟興盛的原因有四，一是南鯤鯓與倒風內海的地理環境，加上五王隨王船漂流而來，都使其香火具有開放性，可以自由地向外傳播。二是五王以「代天巡狩」進行「標準化」的改造，不僅規避官方對「淫祀」的打壓，也藉此擴大信眾基礎，並獲得官員的支持。三是五王定期出巡府城、鹽水與麻豆，並擴及澎湖離島，過程中所展現的神蹟，及與各地廟宇、神明、居民的結盟，都加速其信仰的擴張。四是五王原具有「邪神」的性格，特殊的靈驗性與位階不高、不受約制的神格，都符合臺灣社會的邊緣性，而能吸引廣大庶民，使該廟更加興盛發展。

Located in Beimen, Tainan, and regarded as the Wanye main temple, Nankunjuan Temple had been a famous temple in Taiwan during Mid-Qing Dynasty. Mainly through the analyses and interpretations of folk legends, this essays points out the four reasons why this temple flourishes: 1. The geographical position of Nankunjuan and Daofeng Inlandwaters and the drifting of five Wanyes with the boat make the belief have the quality of openness. The pilgrims are not restricted to the local inhabitants. 2. Through patrolling on behalf of Jade Emperor, the five Wanyes carry the “standard” reformation out. This not only avoids the authorities’ suppression of “the licentious cult” but also increases the number of believers and acquires the officials’ support. 3. Through five Wanyes’ regular tour of inspection to Fucheng, Yanshui, Madou, and even Penghu, the display of miraculous things and the alliance among various temples, deities, and residents accelerates the expansion of the belief. 4. The five Wanyes possess the quality of “devil deities.” Their special efficaciousness and their godship of low ranking position and freedom from any restraints conform to the marginalization of Taiwan society. These help attract numerous common people and make the temple more prosperous.