In and after the middle of the Heian period, since Daigokuden (Council Hall in the Imperial Palace), the main hall of Daidairi (the Greater Imperial Palace), was ruined, the Shishinden Hall came to be used as a place to hold important events such as Sokui no rei (ceremony of the enthronement) and Daijo-sai festival (a festival to celebrate the succession of an emperor).
平安時代中期以降、大内裏の正殿であった大極殿が衰亡したことによって、即位の礼や大嘗祭などの重要行事も紫宸殿で行われるようになった。