走讀牛眠Walking Through Niumian

埔里牛眠山衍化堂
從埔里街走西安路往北進入牛眠山社區聚落時，首先映入眼簾的就是俗稱「牛眠山大廟」的恒山宮衍化堂，為當地居民宗教信仰的中心，創始於民國39年(1950)，供奉關聖帝君為主神，是埔里地區重要的儒宗道教廟宇之一，藉扶鑾闡揚教義，廟宇採古式建築典雅精緻，香火鼎盛。
據衍化堂的沿革發展所載，民國39年11月埔里昭平宮育化堂(孔子廟)應牛眠里居民之請，前往開設牛眠山衍化堂，當時委請仕紳蘇樹木先生擔任堂主主其事，另陳景賢、陳石鍊、 施文彬、陳南要、林來福、王梓聖等參與之。圖為民國51年8月牛眠山庄衍化堂前的舊影像，當時衍化堂新建高大華麗的三川殿應落成不久，與周邊民居土角厝形成強烈的對比。

圖：感謝李根本先生攝‧提供 文:南投縣埔里鎮牛眠社區發展中心臉書

位於埔里鎮牛眠里的大廟「恒山宮衍化堂」是牛眠的地方信仰中心，於1999年（民國88年）921強震受衝擊的毀傷程度相對較小。

衍化堂興建於1950年（民國39年）、內部信仰以「三恩主（關聖帝君、純陽祖師、司命真君）」為主。傳說其中主神「關聖帝君」原為地方仕紳林有源家族的私祀神像，後於建廟時供請入內祭祀，至今被尊為該廟的「鎮殿之寶」。後期由於廟宇樑柱腐朽，廟方決議展開整修工程，於1996年（民國85年）完工，仿造中國北方廟宇規格，並以「二層式」高度彰顯廟宇之雄偉氣度；或許因這一近期改修工程的緣故，衍化堂於後來至今仍維持1996年（民國85年）完工時的主要規格。

牛眠里舊稱「牛眠山」，與周邊的蜈蚣崙、大湳仔及守城份等聚落合稱「眉溪四庄」，為當時清代「隘勇」時期下抵禦山地原住民族的要衝防線。1872年（同治11年），來自台中石岡的客籍隘勇長林逢春迎娶頭人潘進生之女伊底，開創「牛眠山林家」此一豪門，清末至日治時代皆掌握埔里重要的政經資源，其子林其祥曾擔任「埔里街長」，1950年（民國39年）捐獻「關聖帝君」神像的仕紳林有源也出自此家族。1950年代統治當局陸續實行「三七五減租」、「耕者有其田」等土地改革政策，林家因田租收益嚴重縮減，子孫選擇四散他處發展。
Hengshan Temple Yanhua Hall, located in Niumian Village, Puli Township, is an important center of local belief. During the 921 earthquake in 1999, the temple suffered relatively minor damage compared to other buildings in the area.

The temple was originally built in 1950. Its main beliefs center on the “Three Enzhu Deities,” including Guan Sheng Dijun, Chunyang Patriarch, and Siming Zhenjun. According to local stories, the main deity, Guan Sheng Dijun, was once a private statue worshipped by the Lin family. Later, it was invited into the temple and has since been regarded as the most sacred treasure of the temple.

Due to the aging structure, the temple was renovated and completed in 1996. The new design was inspired by traditional northern Chinese temple architecture and features a two-story structure, showing its grand and majestic style. Because of this renovation, the temple still maintains its current appearance today.
圖文: 國家文化記憶庫 網站

牛眠里的活動中心，是我們社區重要的聚會場所。平常會舉辦各種活動，像是課程、表演和社區聚會，是大家交流與互動的地方。活動中心的頂樓設有葛哈巫文化館，讓我們可以認識祖先的歷史與文化，也讓更多人了解在地故事。對我們來說，活動中心不只是建築物，而是一個充滿回憶與學習的空間，陪伴我們一起成長。
This is the community center of Niumian Village, an important place for local gatherings. Many activities are held here, such as classes, performances, and community events. It is a place where people meet and connect with each other. On the top floor, there is the Kahabu Cultural Hall, where we can learn about our ancestors and local culture. For us, the community center is not just a building, but a place full of memories and learning, growing together with us.

慶安宮位於社區活動中心旁，是當地居民重要的信仰中心之一。平時，居民常在這裡聚集聊天，不只是宗教場所，也是大家交流情感的地方。慶安宮有一個特別的故事：旁邊有一間觀音廟。相傳在某一年颱風來襲時，大水沖進牛眠，一尊觀音神像隨水而來。當地居民將神像收留下來，並持續供奉香火，於是形成了現在的觀音廟。這段故事也讓這裡多了一份溫暖與信仰的力量。
Qing’an Temple is located next to the community center and is one of the important religious centers for local residents. In daily life, people often gather here to chat and connect, making it not only a place of worship but also a place for community bonding. There is also a special story about this temple. Next to it, there is a Guanyin Temple. It is said that during a typhoon many years ago, floodwaters carried a Guanyin statue to Niumian. The local people took it in and continued to worship it, which led to the establishment of the temple. This story adds warmth and a strong sense of faith to the place.

這裡是忠孝國小，是我們每天學習與成長的地方。校園環境綠意盎然，空氣清新，讓人感到舒服與放鬆。在這裡，我們不只學習英文、數學等知識，也參加各種活動，培養不同的能力。學校就像我們的第二個家，充滿了歡笑與回憶。對我們來說，忠孝國小不只是一所學校，更是陪伴我們成長的重要地方。
This is Jhong Siao Elementary School, where we learn and grow every day. The campus is green and peaceful, with fresh air that makes us feel comfortable. Here, we learn subjects like English and math, and also join different activities to develop our skills. Our school is like a second home, full of laughter and memories. For us, Jhong Siao Elementary School is not just a school, but an important place where we grow up.

牛眠教會位於南投縣埔里鎮牛眠里，是當地重要的宗教與社區聚會場所。教會環境安靜，常舉辦禮拜、節慶活動與關懷服務，陪伴居民的日常生活，也是社區凝聚情感的重要據點。
Niumian Church is located in Niumian Village, Puli, Nantou. It is an important place for worship and community gatherings. The church often holds services, festivals, and caring activities, bringing people together and strengthening community bonds.

這裡是福興溫泉，是牛眠附近近年新開發的特色景點。這裡的溫泉水質清澈，環境安靜，讓人可以放鬆身心。附近還有親子公園、壘球場和能高瀑布，是一個適合休閒與親近自然的好地方。許多遊客會來這裡泡溫泉、散步或欣賞風景。對我們來說，福興溫泉不只是觀光景點，也是我們認識家鄉、享受自然的地方。在這裡，可以感受到牛眠的悠閒與溫暖。
This is Fuxing Hot Spring, a newly developed attraction near Niumian. The hot spring water is clear, and the environment is peaceful, making it a perfect place to relax. Nearby, there is also a family park, a softball field, and Nenggao Waterfall, making it a great place for leisure and enjoying nature. Many visitors come here to enjoy the hot springs, take walks, and admire the scenery. For us, Fuxing Hot Spring is not just a tourist spot, but also a place to connect with our hometown and nature. Here, you can feel the calm and warmth of Niumian.

福興壘球場位於南投縣埔里鎮的福興溫泉區，是一座標準規格的壘球場，結合周邊公園與休閒設施，提供民眾運動與休憩的空間。
Fuxing Softball Field is located in the Fuxing Hot Spring Area in Puli, Nantou. It is a standard softball field surrounded by parks and leisure facilities.