The original term for Konpira is the Sanskrit Kumbhīra, a deification of crocodiles inhabiting the Ganges River^[1]. In Hinduism, it is the mount of Gaṅgā. It was incorporated into Buddhism as Kumbhira, chief of the Twelve Heavenly Generals. Through Honji Suijaku, it syncretized with the local deity Omononushi-no-Kami into "Zozusan Konpira Daigongen."

Kotohira-gu is situated halfway up Mount Zozu^[2]. The approach consists of 1368 stone steps. The main deity is Omononushi-no-Mikoto, with Emperor Sutoku enshrined alongside.

The enshrinement of Emperor Sutoku is a typical example of Goryo (vengeful spirit) worship^[3]. Exiled to Sanuki after the Hogen Rebellion, he deeply revered Konpira Daigongen.

The renaming due to the Meiji Shinbutsu Bunri marked the greatest turning point in its history^[7]. It was transformed into the Shinto "Kotohirasan Kotohira-gu."

Its rise during the Edo period was a massive leap forward as a guardian of the sea^[4]. It became the "supreme deity of maritime protection."

The folk song "Konpira Funefune" became a nationwide hit^[5].

The Konpira dog is a rare folk custom of the Edo proxy pilgrimage culture^[6]. Those unable to make the pilgrimage sent their pet dogs as proxies.

The phonetic transcription path originates from Sanskrit Kumbhīra → Chinese transliteration → Japanese "Konpira."