southern mountains; mountains to the south
General term for mountains located in the south or a southern mountain range. Often used in literary or geographical contexts.
There is a small village at the foot of the southern mountains.
Mount Kōya; Kongōbu-ji
Specifically refers to Mount Kōya (高野山), especially the temple complex Kongōbu-ji. Often contrasted with 北嶺 (Hieizan).
See also: 北嶺
Mount Kōya is an important sacred site of Shingon Buddhism.
longevity; long life
From 南 (south) + 山 (mountain). The specific reference to Mount Kōya comes from its location south of the ancient capital, in contrast to 北嶺 (Hieizan) to the north.