The term Fudo Myoo originates from the meaning "Immovable Guardian" and is an alternate name for the Hindu deity Shiva in Indian mythology. Shiva is a deification of the power of storms, responsible for destructive calamities on one hand, while nurturing plants through rain on the other. This contrasting aspect of destruction and blessing is also inherited by Fudo Myoo. While Fudo Myoo confronts obstacles to Buddhist teachings with anger, he always guards and watches over those who have embarked on the path of Buddhist practice.
As an incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai, Fudo Myoo's form symbolizes the determination to guide even the wicked towards the path of Buddhism. This belief has taken root in Japan, where he is affectionately referred to as "お不動様" (O-Fudo-sama) and holds a central position. He is one of the Five Great Wisdom Kings (五大明王), along with Gozanze Myoo (降三世明王), Gundari (軍荼利明王), Daiitoku (大威徳明王), and Kongoyasha (金剛夜叉明王), with Fudo Myoo positioned at the center while the other four are placed in the cardinal directions. Often, Fudo Myoo is accompanied by the two attendants, Kongara and Seitaka, among the Eight Great Attendants. Interestingly, the flaming sword entwined by a dragon that Fudo Myoo wields is sometimes enshrined on its own. This form is considered an incarnation of Fudo Myoo and is referred to as Kurikara-Ryuo (倶利伽羅竜王) and others.