The Many Meanings of 参る

The underlying thread in 参る seems to be the concept of “submitting” or “yielding to something greater than oneself.” It is based on the concept of “entering/approaching a noble” (貴人のもとに参入する).

To be defeated/collapse/death

This is perhaps the most literal interpretation of submission. When you’re defeated, you submit to a superior force.

まいった！ 
I give up!

とうとうあいつもまいったか 
So that guy finally kicked the bucket

To be annoyed/nonplussed

A metaphorical “defeat” by circumstances. You’re submitting to a situation that’s overwhelmed you.

今年の暑さにはまいった 
This year's heat has gotten the better of me

To be madly in love

Submitting to romantic feelings. The idea that love has “defeated” your normal defenses.

彼女にまいっている 
I'm head over heels for her

To visit (shrine, grave)

This shows the respectful aspect of submission. When visiting sacred places, you humble yourself before deities or ancestors.

お墓にまいる
Visit a grave

To go/come/call (humble)

This is the humblest way to describe your own movement. You’re placing yourself lower than the listener. This is used when speaking about going to see someone of higher status.

お宅へまいります
I will come to your home

If you have ever been to Japan you probably also heard this phrase before:

電車がまいります
The train is coming (arriving at the station)

The polite “going” meaning directly preserves the original definition of entering/approaching