In 756, Kofuku-ji Temple, Todai-ji Temple and Horyu-ji Temple were added to the previously mentioned 'four dai-ji temples' to create a total of seven temples recorded as the 'seven dai-ji temples' (however, there is a theory claiming that this refers to the subsequent temples called the 'Nanto (southern capital (Nara)) seven dai-ji temples' created when Kofuku-ji Temple was removed and replaced by Saidai-ji Temple (Nara City).
続いて同じく天平勝宝8歳（8年、756年）には先の「四大寺」に更に興福寺・東大寺・法隆寺の3寺を加えた計7寺が「七大寺」として記されている（ただし、弘福寺を外して西大寺(奈良市)を加えた後世「南都七大寺」と呼ばれた寺院を指すとする説もある）。