One day, a wealthy and important man was caught in a storm while hunting and he took refuge under a big tree near the temple. While he waited for the storm to pass, the man noticed a cat beckoning him to come inside the temple gate. This was so startling that he left the shelter of the tree to have a closer look at the unusual cat. At that moment the tree was struck by lightning.
As a result, the wealthy man became friends with the poor priest, and the temple became prosperous.
The priest and the cat never went hungry again.
When Tama died he was buried in the Goutokuji Temple's cat cemetary with respect and love, and the Maneki Neko was made in honor of him. A Maneki Neko in your home or business is said to bring in good luck and visitors!
