The pagoda has important religious relics from four previous Buddhas. The relics include a few strands of Gautama Buddha's hair, a water filter from Konagamana, a fragment of Kassapa's robe, and the staff of Kakusandha. Several Burmese kings and queens were involved in boosting the stupa's height. They included Natshinnaung, his father King Alaungpaya, and his mother Queen Thaisri. The first relics were brought to the site in 566 by Anawrahta (also known as "Anawrahta the Great"), who had them taken from the stomach of Gautama Buddha. The original relics were said to be enclosed within the crown of thorns that was worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. In 1838 they were taken to Rangoon where they remain today in a golden shrine decorated with precious stones. In addition to these relics, there are other objects associated with the past presence of the Shwedagon Pagoda. These include ancient books written in Pali and Sanskrit, pieces of art such as statues and paintings, and archaeological materials such as stone inscriptions. Some of this material is on display in museums in Burma and abroad. But much remains under guard at the site itself. For example, only selected priests are allowed into the holiest part of the temple, called the "sanctum sanctorum".