It is often believed now that chinju gami is a god that lives in a local area (also known as jinushi gami); however, it was originally a god that was enshrined in order to suppress the jinushi gami and compel its obedience.
現在では、鎮守神はその土地に住む神（地主神）だと考えられることが多いが、元をたどれば、鎮守神は、地主神を押さえ込み、服従させるために新たに祀られた神である。