Hidarugami [ヒダル神] (sometimes referred to as Daru [ダル] or Dari [ダリ]) is a type of entity called Yukiai/Ikiai-gami [行逢神] that roams around mountain paths and plateau mostly recorded in Western Japan ①. Encountering this entity is said to cause the victim (both human and animal) to suddenly experience extreme hunger and exhaustion which may at times lead to the subject’s termination ②.
In Wakayama Prefecture, Hidarugami is said to the wraiths of people who died from starvation that frequently appear on the archaic paths of Kumano-kodō [熊野古道] (below) leading to the Grand Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture, but the way to repel them is rather easy where possessed travellers may eat a single grain of rice or trace the Kanji character of rice (米) on the palm of their hand with their finger tip then lick it in order to get away from them ③.
While in Uda Dist. [宇陀郡] (Nara Prefecture), there were few check points on a path marked by venerative statues established in 1863 where Hidarugami are said to possess anyone who walks on it without carrying any food or on an empty stomach ④.
Though in most places such as Kōchi, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima Prefecture, there are deities called Shibaori-sama [柴折様] (like this Shibaori-jizō [柴折り地蔵] below within Mt. Yuzuruha [諭鶴羽山] in Hyōgo Prefecture) who guards entrances of mountain paths that protects travellers from Hidarugami if the travellers leave a branch from a thicket or green grass as votive offerings ⑤.
(sources):
1. “Nihon-wo-shiru-shōjiten” [日本を知る小事典] (1980) by Tatehiko Ōshima [大島 建彦] (1932-present)
2. “Yōkai-jiten” [妖怪事典] (2000) by Kenji Murakami [村上 健司] (1968-present)
