From Kokusho-ji to Anjo-ji—renamed and designated as an imperial temple.
Emperor Shomu played a major role in this transformation.
Empress Monmu, mother of Emperor Shomu, devoted herself to the ascetic Yakugyoja. Praying to the Kannon Bodhisattva statue at this temple for the birth of a prince, she was blessed with her first son, who would later become Emperor Shomu.
Overjoyed, Emperor Monmu issued an imperial decree to rename Kokusho-ji to Anjo-ji.
After his enthronement, Emperor Shomu designated Anjo-ji as an imperial temple, established the seven-hall temple complex, and the temple flourished greatly.