"Engishiki" (book of laws and regulations compiled during the Engi era) refers to the 'ten dai-ji temples' as well as Toshodai-ji, Shin Yakushi-ji Temple, Moto Gango-ji Temple (separated from Hoko-ji Temple and now named Asuka-dera Temple), To-ji Temple and Sai-ji Temple as the 'fifteen dai-ji temples.'
更に『延喜式』においては大寺のうち、「十大寺」と唐招提寺・新薬師寺・本元興寺（法興寺から分離、現・飛鳥寺）・東寺・西寺を「十五大寺」とした。