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Kailushen
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Quick Facts
Chinese:
“Spirit Who Clears the Road”
Wade-Giles romanization:
K’ai-lu Shen
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Kailushen

Chinese deity
Also known as: K’ai-lu Shen, Xiandaoshen
Written and fact-checked by
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History

Kailushen, in Chinese religion, a deity (shen) who sweeps away evil spirits (guei) that may be lurking along a road, especially one leading to a grave or private home. In funeral processions he serves as exorcist, cleansing the grave of demons before the deceased is laid to rest. Sometimes the god is called upon to protect those who must travel treacherous roads. As such, he is known as Xiandaoshen (“Spirit of Dangerous Roads”).

This article was most recently revised and updated by Matt Stefon.