By Benjamin Poon · Updated 2026-10-22 · 6 min readWhat is a columbarium niche?
A columbarium niche is a small space, usually within a columbarium building or temple hall, where an urn of ashes is placed after cremation. In Chinese it is commonly called 福位 or 骨灰位.
Its purpose is practical and lasting: a dignified, identifiable place where the family can visit. Niches differ by location, position, size and the number of urns they can hold, so these are worth asking about early.
You can read more on the columbarium niches page.
What is an ancestral tablet?
An ancestral tablet, or 神主牌, is a memorial plate inscribed with the name of the departed. In many Chinese families it is placed on an altar or in a temple hall, where relatives offer incense and prayers on remembrance days.
The tablet does not hold ashes. It is a focus for remembrance and family continuity. Customs around the wording, the ceremony of installing it and how it is cared for vary by tradition and dialect group, so families usually follow what their elders or their temple advise.
See the ancestral tablets page for how Benjamin can help.
How do they compare at a glance?
This table gives the general picture. Details differ between operators, so treat it as a starting point for your questions.
| Columbarium niche (福位 / 骨灰位) | Ancestral tablet (神主牌) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A space for an urn of ashes | A memorial plate bearing the name of the departed |
| Holds ashes? | Yes | No |
| Main purpose | A lasting, identifiable resting place the family can visit | Remembrance, veneration and family continuity |
| Usually placed in | A columbarium building or temple hall | A temple hall, altar or designated tablet area |
| Cultural and religious link | Follows cremation; used across many faiths and traditions | Closely tied to Chinese ancestor remembrance customs |
| Practical questions to ask | Location, position, number of urns, terms from the operator | Wording, installation ceremony, care, terms from the operator |
Does a family need both?
Not necessarily. Some families choose only a niche, because they want a place to visit. Others focus on the ancestral tablet, because remembrance at an altar matters most to them. Many arrange both, so the ashes and the tablet are in one convenient place.
There is no single right answer. It depends on your family's beliefs, your elders' wishes and how you prefer to remember.
What should families think about before deciding?
A few quiet conversations at home usually help more than any brochure. Consider these points.
- What does the departed, or the family's elder, wish for?
- Which religious or dialect-group customs does the family follow?
- Who will visit, and how easy is the place for older relatives to reach?
- Who in the family decides, and has everyone been heard?
- Are the terms, fees and any ongoing arrangements clear in writing?
How can Benjamin help?
Benjamin Poon is a Service Advisor and Life Managing Director who represents Nirvana Singapore. He can explain how niches and tablets work, share current options and prices from the operator, and arrange a visit to the venue so your family can see for yourselves.
There is no pressure to decide. You can start with the questions to ask before choosing a niche, or contact Benjamin directly.
Preview only. These points will be confirmed with Benjamin before the site goes live:
- Benjamin to confirm which products and services he is currently authorised to discuss at each venue.
- Benjamin to confirm whether niches and tablets can be arranged together at each venue.
- Benjamin / operator to review the Chinese customs wording for accuracy by dialect group.
Common questions
Is a 神主牌 the same as a niche?
No. A niche holds an urn of ashes. A 神主牌 is a memorial plate with the name of the departed and does not hold ashes.
Can ashes and an ancestral tablet be kept at the same place?
Often families prefer this for convenience, but it depends on what each venue offers. Benjamin can check the options with the operator for you.
Do all Chinese families need an ancestral tablet?
No. It is a family and religious choice. Some families follow the custom closely, others do not, and some use other forms of remembrance.
Do I need to decide on both at the same time?
No. You can take them one at a time. Many families start with a conversation and a visit before deciding anything.
Who can explain the customs for my family?
Your elders and, where relevant, your temple or religious teacher know your tradition best. Benjamin can explain how the arrangements work but does not replace their guidance.
