He entered into priesthood and was named Monk-Imperial Prince Gyojo, however after his son, Emperor Gohorikawa succeeded to the throne, he was exceptionally given the title of dajo tenno (a retired emperor) and started the cloistered government.
出家して行助入道親王と名乗ったが、子である後堀河天皇の即位後、異例の太上天皇号を贈られ院政を行うことになった。