Deva (ten) or guardian deity
Kishimojin
鬼子母神
Kishimojin is a deity to whom people turn in faith for the protection of children, and to pray for children and for safe childbirth. She is also called Kariteimo. In the Nichiren school, she is also cherished as a guardian deity of those who believe in the Lotus Sutra.
This introduction is based on materials published by shrines, temples, and schools, starting with Shōhōin. It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Kishimojin, who protects children and the Buddha's teaching
Kishimojin is a deity to whom people turn in faith for the protection of children, and to pray for children and for safe childbirth. She is also called Kariteimo. In the Nichiren school, she is also cherished as a guardian deity of those who believe in the Lotus Sutra.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・日蓮宗 玉蓮山真成寺
From the grief of searching for her own child to caring for the lives of others
In the tradition, the Buddha Shaka makes Kishimojin, who had been harming other people's children, aware of the grief of losing one's own child. It is told that she realized everyone cherishes their children just as she does, and vowed from then on to protect children and the Buddhist teaching. There are differing accounts of the number of her children and other details.
Source: 日蓮宗 玉蓮山真成寺
A gentle mother and a stern protector
Shinjō-ji introduces a form of a mother holding a child and a wrathful form that protects practitioners of the Lotus Sutra. The two characters — tenderness toward children and the power to protect the teaching — also appear in how the images are made. Forms accompanied by a pomegranate and other things are also linked with faith in the flourishing of descendants.
Source: 日蓮宗 玉蓮山真成寺
Children's growth and safe childbirth, and the protection of those who believe in the Lotus Sutra
Shinjō-ji tells that people have brought to Kishimojin wishes related to being blessed with children, safe childbirth and raising children. Also, in the Darani chapter of the Lotus Sutra, she vows together with the Ten Rasetsunyo to protect those who hold to the teaching. There are two sides: a faith that cherishes children in the family, and the protection of the Buddhist teaching.
Source: 日蓮宗 玉蓮山真成寺・日蓮宗
Mantra (in Japanese, as written in the sources)
おん どどまり ぎゃきてい そはか。
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Shown as written in the Japanese sources. This site does not set how or how many times to recite it.
Related shrines and temples
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：鬼子母神」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 日蓮宗 玉蓮山真成寺「鬼子母神様」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 鹿鳴文庫「仏像図彙：訶利帝母（鬼子母神）」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 日蓮宗「陀羅尼品｜ざっくり納得 法華経のすべて」（2026-10-17 確認）