Even after the Taika Reforms led to the extinction of the Soga Clan's head family, Hoko-ji Temple remained a center of religion and, during Emperor Tenmu's reign, came under the protection of the Imperial Court as the one of the 'Four Great Temples', along with Daian-ji Temple, Kawahara-dera Temple, and Yakushi-ji Temple.
大化の改新による蘇我氏宗家滅亡以後も内外の信仰を集め、天武天皇の時代には大安寺・川原寺・薬師寺と並ぶ「四大寺」の一とされて朝廷の保護を受けるようになった。