As our world evolves and changes so has the rites and rituals we were once familiar with. This is especially so when it comes to interments. In the past, burials were considered the method of choice and deemed as a sign of filial piety. Today however, with Singapore’s limited land space, cremation has become the go-to, prevalent approach. Cremated ashes are typically placed into funerary urns. While some Singaporeans may prefer to have their funerary urns placed at altars in their homes, most of us would opt for columbarium niches instead. A columbarium is a structure for the respectful storage of funerary urns, holding cremated remains of the deceased. There are several aspects to consider when choosing a suitable columbarium in Singapore.
Lease Period
There are generally four types of leases for columbariums in Singapore – a 30-year lease, 40-year lease, 99-year lease or permanent lease. The interment lease duration depends on the land lease period of the columbarium or the day of interment of the urn. Families may choose to have a longer or shorter lease period depending on their preferences and circumstances. For those looking for a longer lease period, Nirvana is pleased to announce that the Nirvana columbarium, Nirvana Memorial Garden has extended its lease from 2029 to 2098. For those keen on a permanent lease, the columbariums at Lin San Temple can be considered.
The lease extension represents an important milestone, entrenches our long term presence in Singapore and allows us to provide the highest degree of professionalism and trustworthiness. Nirvana Memorial Garden reflects the reverence of ancestors by their descendants and continues the tradition of filial piety.
Columbarium Design
The columbarium design is an important element when selecting a columbarium in Singapore as it provides the ideal, final resting place for the deceased and brings spiritual comfort to the living. Making the right choice between a columbarium with religious themes or a clean, modern design can influence the family’s comfort. At the Nirvana columbarium, we cater to both. Religious designs include a Buddha statue surrounded by a small bamboo forest with water streams and the main hall housing the Holy Trinity of the Samsara World — Amitabha Buddha, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. We also offer a clean, modern, standard columbarium with no religious figures or furnishings.
Price Range
With regards to the price of a niche in a private columbarium including Lin San Temple, it often differs according to levels. Each level harbours different sentiments that are integral to certain religions and preferences. In modern columbariums such as our Nirvana Memorial Garden’s columbariums, each suite contains eight to nine levels. Typically, the 5th level tends to be more popular and expensive as it is at eye level. This brings about greater convenience as the need for kneeling, squatting or looking up to the niche is eliminated. Other factors influencing the price of a niche also include the number of units, whether it is single, double, twin double or family suite and the position in which the niche is facing – tower facing or main entrance. Ultimately, the price must properly correlate with the design and materials used. At Nirvana, you can choose the niche according to your desires at reasonable prices.
FengShui
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese traditional practice that uses energy forces to balance individuals and their environments. Feng Shui practitioners believe existing layouts, designs, religious artifacts, and objects play a part in ensuring that the deceased has a peaceful resting place and smooth transition to the afterlife. It is also possible for the family to decorate the interior of the niche to make it more familiar, ‘comfortable’ and ‘homely’ for the deceased.
Above are just some of the aspects to consider when choosing a columbarium in Singapore. As the final resting place for the departed, it is important for family members to evaluate and assess the different options available for greater peace of mind and ease in moving on.
At Nirvana, we offer a range of funeral services in Singapore from prayer services such as the arrangement of prayer sessions to columbariums at peaceful atmospheres and more. Your one stop shop for all things funeral-related, we provide 24/7 customer service, including bereavement care assistance by our trained professionals, We pride ourselves in taking into account your preferred custom, culture and belief. Get a free ‘An Lin’ service when you purchase a columbarium with us! Contact us for more information today.