Nanto Shichi Daiji
Nanto Shichi Daiji (南都七大寺), literally "the seven great temples of Nanto (synonym of Nara)" is a historical common name generally referring to the powerful and influential seven Buddhist temples located in Nara. Although there have been some changes as to which temples are included over the years, since there have been fluctuations in power. The following is a list as it stood at the early stage, all of which were originally built by imperial order[1]
Daian-ji (大安寺)
Gangō-ji (元興寺)
Hōryū-ji (法隆寺) (located off the border of today Nara, in the town of Ikaruga, Nara)
Kōfuku-ji (興福寺)
Saidai-ji (西大寺)
Tōdai-ji (東大寺)
Yakushi-ji (薬師寺)
Sometimes the temples were called "the fifteen great temples of Nanto" too, including other prestigious temples such as Tōshōdai-ji (唐招提寺) and Hokke-ji (法華寺).
