Buddhist Mythology

The Gods and Bodhisvattas of Enlightenment...

KISHIMOJIN

Japanese Children's Goddess

Also known as Karitei-Mo, Kishimo-Jin

Baby killer turned baby protector

She started off as a rather misguided demonic mother who stole babies to feed to her starving children.

Buddha stopped this by hiding her only child underneath his begging bowl (he was a big beggar at the time). She was so upset when she could not find her kiddie she implored Buddha to help, not knowing that he was responsible.

When the kid was mysteriously found, she was so grateful she vowed never to do any hurtful things to anyone ever again. From now she promised to protect all children and not kill them. Also that Buddha would be her best buddy, she would help old ladies and children across the road, etc etc.

Most challenging of all, she vowed from that moment forth to only feed her kids pomegranates. Pomegranates are notorious in Japan for looking like raw human flesh. And have you ever tried to get a small child to eat one?

Following her change of lifestyle, Kishimojin shunned publicity of any sort to focus on her family. She and her offspring now lead a very sheltered life apart from a great deal of adoration.

Kishimojin Facts and Figures

Name: Kishimojin
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Karitei-Mo, Kishimo-Jin

Gender: Female
Type: Goddess
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: Children
Area of expertise: Children

Good/Evil Rating: NEUTRAL, may not care
Popularity index: 4476

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Article last revised on November 03, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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