Memorials at the Great Stupa are a unique way of remembering loved ones. We offer a range of memorials including Memorial Stupas, Wall Niche Memorials and Tree Memorials. We also organise the blessing of the ashes of the deceased in a ceremony performed by a qualified Monk and the provision of bronze plaques to accompany the memorials.

It is considered to be very auspicious to sponsor a holy object in the name of the deceased. The Great Stupa is making it possible for the bereaved to choose from a range of auspicious memorials for family and friends. Our aim is to provide options that will suit the wishes and budgets of most people.

We are mindful that like the Great Stupa, the memorials are to last a very long time, so an allowance is included in the pricing for the long-term maintenance of the memorials.

MEMORIAL STUPAS

Beautiful long-lasting Memorial Stupas are located on top of the memorial walls that surround the Great Stupa. They are filled with holy objects and are consecrated.
The ashes of the deceased are located directly underneath the Memorial Stupas. A solid bronze plaque is mounted below.
One Memorial Stupa is AUD $2,750 (incl. GST).

WALL NICHE MEMORIALS

The ashes of the deceased are placed within the memorial walls that surround the Great Stupa and sealed with a solid bronze plaque.
Wall Niche Memorials also have the optional extra to have a bronze vase attached to the front of the plaque at an additional price.
The cost of a Wall Niche Memorial is AUD $790 (incl. GST).
The additional cost of a Bronze Vase is AUD $77 (incl. GST).

TREE MEMORIALS

Memorials are placed beneath the trees that surround the Great Stupa. The ashes of the deceased are mixed with the earth at the base of the tree and a solid bronze plaque is mounted on sandstone at the base of the chosen tree.
The cost of a Tree Memorial is AUD $650 (incl. GST).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEMORIALS AT THE GREAT STUPA

What do the fees cover?
The fees include all costs and GST. They include the memorial (e.g. bronze stupa), offerings to Sangha for the blessing ceremony and the consecrations, the cast bronze plaque, donation to the Great Stupa and an allocation for the upkeep of the memorial in perpetuity.

What happens if we don’t have ashes of the deceased?
If the deceased is to be buried we can proceed as normal, with some hair and/or fingernail clippings of the deceased in place of the ashes. If there are no ashes, hair, etc., it is possible to include some photographs or belongings of the deceased with the Memorial Stupa and the Wall Niche Memorial, however the Tree Memorials can only accept ashes.

How much space do I have in the memorial wall?
Both the Memorial Stupa’s and the Wall Niche Memorial’s offer a space of no larger than 115mm Width x 75mm Height x 190mm Length. When bringing ashes or belongings to The Great Stupa please be mindful of this and have them in an appropriate sized box.

Is it possible to be buried near the Great Stupa?
At this stage this service is not offered. This may be considered in the future.

Can I choose what goes on the bronze plaques?
Yes, all wording on the plaques is chosen by the bereaved. This is subject to restrictions on the number of words. We allow for a maximum of 25 words, this does not include the family and given names of the deceased. Our standard plaque will carry Buddhist blessing images. Other images can be chosen, however they may incur an extra cost.

Do I need to give all the ashes to the Memorial Stupa?
No. If it is the wish of the family they may retain some of the ashes for distribution as they see fit.

How long are these fees current for?
Fees are subject to review at any time and are based on the current fee at the time an application form is received.

Can I choose the location of my memorial?
Wherever possible we try to accommodate the wishes of the deceased and bereaved, however, the location of memorials is selected by the Great Stupa office.

Can I book adjoining memorials?
With sufficient notice adjoining Memorial Stupas, Wall Niche Memorials and Tree Memorials can be booked. Adjoining Tree Memorials are around the same tree.

Can I pay the fee for my memorial in advance?
Yes, these fees can be paid in advance. Payment in advance can be a great comfort to your loved ones.

Can I pay the fee off over time?
Arrangements can usually be made to pay the fees off over an extended time. Please contact The Great Stupa office regarding your wishes.

For more information please contact us:
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion Ltd, PO Box 869 Maiden Gully, Victoria 3551, Australia
Phone:  +613 5446 7568              
E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.            
Website:  www.stupa.org.au

Last Updated June 2012