Traditional burial land are becoming scarce and more expensive. As a result, columbarium niches have become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a final resting place for the remains of their loved. Selecting a columbarium should align with your location preferences, budget, and wishes of your loved ones.
Columbarium options are aplenty, both indoors and outdoors. In Malaysia, there are a variety of private columbariums that are designed and crafted for the modern urbanites – with 24×7 air-conditioning, aesthetic ambiance, comfortable seatings, and beautiful look & feel.
This article will provide answers to what is a columbarium, the benefits, and finally how to select one.
What is a Columbarium?
A columbarium is a specially designed structure with individual compartments, or “niches,” to store cremation urns. The term comes from the Latin word columba, meaning dove, symbolizing peace and purity, with small compartments called “niches.” Each niche is designed to hold urn(s) containing cremated remains. Columbariums come in different forms, including free-standing structures in cemeteries, dedicated rooms in Chinese temples, associations, and privately owned facilities.
Benefits of a Columbarium
Columbariums provide a permanent and physical location where family members can visit and remember their departed loved ones. They also help conserve land and are typically less expensive than traditional burial plots. They provide a respectful way to inter cremated remains, often with a niche that includes a plaque displaying the deceased’s name, relevant details, and dates.
Types of Columbariums
Traditional Columbariums
Traditional columbariums are stand-alone structures that can house many niches. Generally they are arranged in rows and columns with little to no decorative elements. Usually in temples, association-owned facilities, or privately owned facilities. They are usually cost-effective and serves its core purpose.
Outdoor or Garden Columbariums
Outdoor columbariums often have gardens and landscaped areas that create a beautiful and peaceful environment for memorializing loved ones. Featuring an open-air concept, these columbariums offer natural lighting and excellent ventilation. Usually non air-conditioned, these outdoor columbariums are great for those who love to enjoy nature and outdoors.
Benefits and plus points of outdoor columbariums:
- Natural surroundings with greenery and open skies
- Easier for ancestral worship rituals that involve incense burning and elaborate food offerings
- Usually comes with a dedicated area for burning joss paper & peripherals
- Usually have more open space and feels less crowded
- Visitors can spend more time comfortably during prayers, ceremonies, and anniversaries
- Less stricter protocols – visitors can bring offerings, incense, joss paper, light candles, etc
Outdoor columbarium options are aplenty in Nirvana, among them are available at Nirvana Semenyih, Nirvana Klang or Nirvana Ijok. For an indicative price, check out updated Nirvana columbarium prices, or simply contact us and let us guide you through the available options.
Indoor Columbariums
Indoor columbariums are housed within a building, providing protection from external elements. These facilities are usually air-conditioned with beautiful decoration, spiritual motifs, soft lighting, and modern amenities. It is great for those who value comfort, security, and convenience in a refined atmosphere.
Benefits and plus points of indoor columbariums:
- Climate-controlled environment
- Usually with beautiful modern decorations and amenities
- Usually focuses on aesthetics and serene look & feel
- Stricter protocols – hence better cleanliness and security
- For those who prefer to keep things in pristine condition as there are restrictions on any form of offerings
The design and decor of indoor columbariums can vary widely, from minimalist, modern aesthetics to more traditional, ornate styles. Nirvana Kuala Lumpur (Nirvana 2) and Nirvana Klang offers a variety of luxurious indoor niches in a fully air-conditioned environment to suit different religions, requirements and budgets. Let us help you plan, give us a call to arrange a personal site visit.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Columbarium
Location and Accessibility
When selecting a columbarium, location and accessibility should be key considerations. Is it conveniently located near your home, or would it require long-distance travel? More importantly, is the facility easily accessible for all family members, including the elderly or those with mobility challenges? A peaceful environment is vital, but practicality matters too as some columbariums provide only staircase access, making it hard for those with mobility challenges.
Fortunately, facilities like Nirvana Kuala Lumpur are equipped with elevators for added convenience, while Nirvana Semenyih offers outdoor columbariums with wheelchair-friendly access. During your site visit, be sure to inspect the layout and amenities carefully to ensure it meets your family’s needs.
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of each niche is another important factor to consider. The most common options are single and double niches, designed to hold one or two urns respectively. For those looking to plan ahead, some columbariums offer family niches – larger spaces that can accommodate multiple urns, allowing loved ones to be interred together. Often referred to as “family lots,” these are ideal for families who value staying united in remembrance and wish to secure a resting place for future generations in advance.
Pricing
The cost of a columbarium niche can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the location of the facility, the size of the niche, and whether it’s part of an indoor or outdoor columbarium. It’s important to clarify any hidden or additional fees. Never assume the initial price quoted includes everything. To avoid surprises, always ensure you fully understand the total cost of ownership before making a commitment.
Price of Columbariums
The price range for different types of columbariums can vary considerably, starting from RM20K+ and can be a 6-figure sum for family niches that can inter multiple urns. Before you judge the price of each columbarium, it is always best to get some initial pictures to get an idea of what constitutes the prices. This should be followed by a site visit. Check out indicative price of Nirvana columbariums.
Columbarium are a meaningful way to honor your departed loved ones.
Columbariums offer a unique and meaningful way to honor and remember loved ones who have passed on. Whether you choose a traditional, indoor, or outdoor columbarium, it is important to consider factors such as location, size, cost, and additional services. Get started by speaking with us!
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