From the era of Emperor Uda, the emperor's daily whereabouts were fixed in the Seiryoden; therefore, shoden was indispensable for enabling those of suitable rank to participate in ceremonies and public duties or deal with the emperor's personal affairs in their capacity as an attendant and carry out duties such as taking the night watch or waiting on the emperor at table.
宇多天皇の頃より、天皇の日常の居所が清涼殿に定着化され、儀式や公事への参加あるいは天皇に近侍して身辺の雑用や宿直・陪膳などの職務を行うためには昇殿は欠かせないものであった。