The god, "Ikasuri-no-Okami" (known as Zama-san for short) is enshrined here, at one of the most important shrines in the Osaka area. They say the shrine was founded when Ikasuri Daijin was enshrined as a protective deity for the capital during the reign of the first emperor. Worshippers visit the shrine praying for safety in the home, when traveling, and in childbirth. The Manyoshu, Japan's oldest collection of poetry, includes a waka poem about praying at Ikasuri before setting off on a journey. Prayers were offered here for the Empress Jingu when she gave birth, and more recently for the Meiji Emperor's birth. The shrine is very old. They say it was established when Empress Jingu enshrined Ikasuri-no-okami here. It is also listed in Japan's ancient code of law, the Engishiki, as the region's sole grand shrine.