| KISHIMOJIN |
| Description |
| She is named KARITEIMO, too. Originally, she was Cannibalism demon. However, she became a goddess by which children were protected because she had been admonished by Shakyamuni. She was a goddess named "Hariti" in Hinduism. KISHIMOJIN originally only doted on her own 100 children, but abducted and killed the children of others. The children that she had killed became food for the 100 children of KISHIMOJIN. In response, the mothers of those children whom KISHIMOJIN had killed pleaded to Shakyamuni to save them. . Shakyamuni granted their wish and thereupon stole one of KISHOMOJIN's sons. KISHIMOJIN noticed that her loveliest son was gone and desperately searched for the child. However, she could not find her son. At that time, Shakyamuni said to KISHIMOJIN. " You are very distraught because only one of your 100 children is gone. Think of how much sadder is the mother who lost her only single child." KISHOMOJIN realized her erroneous ways. And she promised to the Buddha to pay penance eternally for her crimes. "I will defend children all over the world through all eternity." After this oath, KISHIMOJIN became the goddess of easy delivery and for the protection and parenting of children. |