This temple had close relationship with Emperors of Jimyoin-to line (the Imperial lineage of Japanese Northern Dynasty) and was designated as the place of Imperial prayer by Emperor Kogon (the first Emperor of Northern Dynasty.)
持明院統（北朝(日本)）の天皇とのかかわりが深く、光厳天皇（北朝初代）の勅願所となっている。