Masaru is regarded as a divine monkey messenger (shinshi) associated with certain Shinto shrines, most notably Hie Shrine and its network, where the monkey serves as a sacred intermediary of the mountain deity. The name "Masaru" is popularly linked through wordplay to phrases suggesting overcoming difficulties or improving one's fortunes, which has led to folk associations with matchmaking and relationship harmony at some shrines. These associations reflect local devotional custom and linguistic tradition rather than a fixed doctrinal role, and practices vary by shrine.