HARITI
Mythology of China
Mythology of India
Mythology of Japan
This is the name of a female DEMON in the mythology of India; of China, where she is known as HE-LI-DI or KISHIMJIN; and of Japan, where she is known as KARITEI-MO. In the mythology of India and China this DEMON trapped and devoured children until converted by the BUDDHA. HARITI is now a guardian of children and elevated to the status of a goddess able to bless couples with children and cure the sick children. As KARITEI-MO, her original Japanese name, she is especially venerated by the by the SHINGON and NICHIEN sects in Japan, where she is represented holding a child or the flower of happiness.
SOURCE: Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins Encyclopedia