According to "The Chronological List of the Construction of Zenjo-ji Temple" that has been handed down in this temple, Zenjo-ji Temple was erected by the monk Heisu who served as Betto (the head priest and administrator of a Buddhist temple) of Todai-ji Temple.
寺に伝わる『禅定寺造営年次目録』によれば、この寺は東大寺の別当（寺を統括する最高位の僧）などを務めた僧・平崇によって創建されたものである。