[2]: 123  Until the Muromachi period the shrine was perceived as highly prestigious, on par with Kumano Taisha, but little remains of its past glory.

[2]: 124–125 According to the Nijūnisha chūshiki, which was compiled between 1532 and 1573 by Yoshida Kanetomo, Gozu Tennō first made his presence known at Akashi in Harima province.

[4] In the ninth and tenth centuries, onmyōji, particularly those from Harima province, performed rituals focusing on deities of pestilence.

[2]: 124–125 The Genko shakushō attributes the Indian ascetic, Hōdō Sennin, with promoting the Hiromine Shrine's cult.

As per this legend, Gozu Tenno appeared to Hōdō Sennin as a protector against misfortunes during his time at Ichijōji on Mount Hokke.

Following Hōdō Sennin's refusal, Gozu Tennō granted him land to establish a temple and further the (Senju) Kannon's cult in Ōmi province.