In the year 103 of the Mahā Sakkarāja Era (588 BC), after attaining enlightenment as the Gotama Buddha, he journeyed through the Seven Places of Enlightenment-Attainment. During this time, two merchant brothers named Tapussa and Bhallika from the Ukkalāpajanapada offered him rice cakes and honey. The Buddha graciously gave them eight strands of his hair. The brothers carried these sacred relics back to Ukkalāpa. Upon their return, the King of Ukkalāpa, along with the townspeople, welcomed and revered these relics.

The inhabitants of Ukalāpa, under the guidance of King Ukalāpa, enshrined the sacred relics of previous Buddhas at the Siṅguttara Hill. These relics included the staff of Kakusandha Buddha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana Buddha, the robe of Kassapa Buddha, and eight strands of hair from Gotama Buddha. They constructed and venerated the Shwedagon Pagoda, which stands at a height of 66 meters (216 feet) with dimensions of 44 meters by 20 meters. Due to the presence of the relics from these four Buddhas, the pagoda earned the title "Shwedagon Pagoda of the Four Sacred Relics.

The Shwedagon Pagoda Treasury Management Committee not only focuses on the maintenance and preservation of the Shwedagon Pagoda for its long-term stability but also strives to promote and expand the Buddha’s teachings. As a significant opportunity to cultivate renowned individuals in the Buddhist community, the Treasury Management Committee has conducted the Cetiyangana Examination since 1984, starting from the 67th occasion in the year 1345. This examination has now been held for the 106th time in 2024.

Throughout this period, to ensure the longevity of the Buddhist teachings, the committee annually organizes the examination, celebrates the achievement of successful candidates, and offers monthly alms and rice donations. These religious activities are funded by donations from devout supporters, ensuring the continued vitality and prosperity of the Buddhist community.

A pilgrimage guide map has been provided to make it easy for pilgrims to visit Shwedagon Pagoda.