Hongu was founded during the reign of Emperor Sujin, Hayatama during the reign of Emperor Keiko ("Fuso-Ryakki"), and Nachi during the reign of Emperor Kosho by Ragyo (Digambara in Sanskrit) ("Kumanogongen Kongozao Hoden Zoko Nikki"), but it is not known exactly.
本宮は崇神天皇代、速玉は景行天皇代（『扶桑略記』）、那智は考昭天皇代に裸行が開基した（『熊野権現金剛蔵王宝殿造功日記』）したとするが定かではない。