Nirvana Memorial Garden Pedestal

Ancestral pedestals for Chinese ancestral worship, kept in an air-conditioned hall at Nirvana Memorial Garden in Choa Chu Kang. Choose the classic Pedestal or the modern Crystal Pedestal.

An ancestral pedestal, also called an ancestor tablet or spirit tablet, carries the name of a loved one so the family can honour them in prayer. At Nirvana Memorial Garden, pedestals are kept in an air-conditioned hall, and families can choose the classic Pedestal or the Crystal Pedestal.

What Is an Ancestral Pedestal?

Ancestor pedestals are commonly known as memorial tablets or spirit tablets. A tablet is a physical symbol of the spirit of the person who has passed, and it has held a central place in Chinese homes and temples for centuries; the tradition is traced back to the Shang Dynasty.

Tablets were traditionally made of wood. Today they are also made of glass, marble, jade and crystal, and most are rectangular. A tablet can be kept at a home altar, in a temple or in a columbarium, and families usually engage a Buddhist monk or Taoist priest for a ceremony to invite the spirit of the departed into it. Because a tablet can be honoured without moving the urn, many families pray at the tablet while the urn stays in its niche.

The Meaning of Ancestor Tablets

In Chinese belief, a person has three souls: one stays with the body, one passes to the afterlife, and one resides in a sacred object, the ancestor tablet. Families believe their ancestors watch over them and give blessings, so setting up a tablet is a way to show respect and filial piety.

Some families keep the tablet at a home altar, others in a temple or memorial hall. A pedestal at Nirvana suits families who want the tablet honoured in a calm, cared-for place, especially when there is little time to keep up the rituals at home.

Benefits of an Ancestral Pedestal

Filial piety: a dignified place to honour your parents and ancestors.
Air-conditioned hall, comfortable to visit in any weather.
Less upkeep at home, for families who cannot keep a home altar.
Classic or crystal: a traditional look or a modern one.

Besides ancestral pedestals, Nirvana Memorial Garden Singapore also offers columbarium niches and funeral services, all in one place.

Pedestal choices

Choose Your Pedestal

Both pedestals are kept in Nirvana’s air-conditioned halls. Tap a pedestal to see photos, or visit to see them in person.

Pedestal

The traditional ancestral pedestal, for families who prefer the classic look of Chinese ancestral worship.

Crystal Pedestal

A crystal pedestal that gives a long tradition an uplifted, modern look.

Need a niche as well? Nirvana’s columbarium suites are in the same air-conditioned halls.

Frequently Asked Pedestal Questions

What is an ancestral pedestal?

An ancestral pedestal, also called an ancestor tablet or spirit tablet, carries the name of a loved one so the family can honour them in prayer. In Chinese tradition it is a symbol of filial piety and takes the central place at the family altar.

What is the difference between the Pedestal and the Crystal Pedestal?

The Pedestal is the classic, traditional design. The Crystal Pedestal is made of crystal and gives the tradition a modern look. Both are kept in Nirvana’s air-conditioned halls; visit to see which suits your family.

Can we have both a pedestal and a columbarium niche?

Yes. Nirvana Memorial Garden offers both ancestral pedestals and columbarium niches, so the urn and the tablet can be at the same place. Many families pray at the tablet while the urn stays in its niche.

How do I get the price list?

For the latest price list and promotions, contact us on WhatsApp at +65 9684 2263, or book a site visit to see the pedestals in person.

How is the spirit invited into the tablet?

Families usually engage a Buddhist monk or Taoist priest for a ceremony to invite the spirit of the departed into the tablet. At Nirvana, settling in to the ancestral tablet is one of the prayer services our team can arrange.