To comprehend the concept of a “Buddha Columbarium,” we must first examine two terms: “underground palace” and “merit placement.” Moreover, it’s essential to explore why such placements have become predominantly associated with Buddhist temples.

I. The Historical and Cultural Roots of the “Underground Palace”

Nowadays, many people assume that underground palaces are exclusively a Buddhist temple feature. However, this was not always the case. Even before Buddhism was introduced to China, the concept of an underground palace already existed in Chinese burial traditions. A saying from ancient times reflects the hierarchical nature of resting places: “Emperors enter mausoleums, sages enter chambers, officials enter tombs, and commoners are buried in the earth.” The earliest form of underground palace was part of imperial mausoleums.

Similarly, when we refer to “temples,” many immediately think of Buddhism. But before Buddhism spread to China, the words “si” (寺) and “miao” (庙) referred respectively to government offices and spaces for ancestral worship. It was only after the arrival of Buddhism that these places gradually became dedicated to Buddhist practice.

II. Why “Ash Storage Niches” are Called “Merit Placements”

A “merit placement” essentially refers to a niche within an underground palace designed to hold cremation urns. In practical terms, it is called an “ash storage niche,” though it is also euphemistically known as a “merit placement架,” “lotus placement,” or “meritorious deed placement.” As these names suggest, beyond storing ashes, its greater purpose is to serve as a focus for blessings and prayers.

Why do many believe that storing ashes in a temple brings blessings?

1. It is rare to find centuries-old graves, but千年-old temples are relatively common. Thus, storing ashes in a temple is perceived as more enduring than traditional burial.

2. Temple underground palaces are filled with chanting and the daily sounds of bells and drums. On holidays, eminent monks conduct rituals to assist the deceased in reaching the Pure Land.

3. Temples are believed to possess a powerful spiritual energy. Visitors often experience a sense of inner peace. A place that feels comforting and where one wishes to linger is considered to have excellent feng shui. Placing ashes there means resting in an auspicious location.

4. Temples receive countless visitors who come to pray. Daily incense offerings are made, and holidays draw large crowds. Placing ashes in the underground palace means they receive the reverence of thousands.

5. Funds from the purchase of these placements are typically used for temple maintenance and construction. Contributing to a temple’s upkeep is itself considered a meritorious act. Therefore, acquiring a placement accumulates merit while also making practical arrangements for one’s remains.

Of course, no one tells a story quite like Buddhism. Personally, I believe marketing plays a significant role in this phenomenon!

— Sales Manager: Mr. Luo HuaHeng Columbarium Factory Jiangxi, China

III. The Cultural Evolution of the Temple Underground Palace

Why did the underground palace become a Buddhist specialty, while traditional Taoism and other local belief systems in China did not develop a similar concept?

According to tradition, after Sakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment at 35, he preached for 45 years before entering nirvana at 80. After his cremation, his relics included one parietal bone, two other bones, four teeth, a finger bone relic, and 84,000 pearl-like śarīra. As recorded in the Buddhacarita, eight kings built eight stupas to enshrine these relics after a peaceful resolution to a potential conflict. Later, during the reign of King Ashoka, the relics were redistributed into 84,000 caskets and reburied in newly constructed stupas across the land. This act helped spread Buddhism throughout India and beyond.

Over millennia, as Buddhism spread, the practice of building stupas and temples continued. Buddha relics made their way into various regions. Today, relics are still preserved in many parts of China and other countries.

Temples, initially built to house the Buddha’s relics, gradually began to preserve the remains of eminent monks and, eventually, those of lay devotees. Thus, the Columbarium became a temple specialty.

In modern times, commercial temple underground palaces have developed over the past two decades in China. However, much of their original cultural and spiritual significance has been lost amid growing commercialization. The Chinese government has now strictly prohibited further development of such commercial projects.

IV. The Future of Ash Storage and the “Museum of Life”

Despite these changes, the ash storage industry continues to evolve. Our company, HuaHeng Columbarium Factory from Jiangxi, China, is currently developing a “Museum of Life” project.

This initiative shifts the focus from simple ash storage to celebrating and preserving the value of a lived life. Rather than emphasizing passage to a distant paradise, we highlight the unique worth of each individual’s journey. We aim to help families honor their elders and preserve precious memories, hoping to encourage the continuation of Chinese family traditions for generations to come.

— Sales Manager: Mr. Luo, HuaHeng Columbarium Factory, Jiangxi, China