This was the Imperial Family's first Buddhist temple, completed in 639 by Emperor Jomei and, after his death, succeeded by his consort, Empress Kogyoku, and his son, Emperor Tenchi.
舒明天皇の没後、妻の皇極天皇、子の天智によって継承され、639年（舒明11）に完成された天皇家最初の仏教寺院である。