Memorials
Information about arranging or pre-planning
memorials at The Great Stupa
Dedicated to interfaith harmony, an everlasting resting place of remembrance
Information about arranging or pre-planning memorials at The Great Stupa
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is surrounded by memorial walls, trees and beautiful roses. The landscaped gardens are set against the tranquil backdrop of prayer wheels, meandering pathways, water features, and is an ideal place for quiet reflection and peaceful meditation.
We offer cremains and remembrance memorials within contemporary built memorial walls, established trees and roses to suit the wishes and budgets of most people.
Stupa Wall Memorials
Beautiful long-lasting Stupas are located on top of the memorial walls that surround the Great Stupa.
The ashes of the deceased, or mementos are placed below, within the wall niche, which is sealed by an expertly crafted bronze oval plaque. This is the highest row in our memorial walls and these memorials are perpetual.
Cost: $6,500
Tree Memorials
Chinese Elm, Manchurian Pear and Crepe Myrtle trees circle the Great Stupa on three terraced levels.
The ashes of the deceased are mixed with the earth at the base of the memorial tree, and an expertly crafted bronze plaque is mounted on a sandstone block and placed as a marker beneath the tree.
Tree Memorial plaques are in place for a period of 50 years from date of placement; after this time, the plaque is to be relocated to an area in the Great Stupa Garden where it will be kept in perpetuity.
There are 3 memorial places available per tree.
Cost: $4,500
Wall Niche Memorials
Set amongst the Chinese Elm trees, the Memorial Walls surround the Great Stupa on the first level of the Memorial Terrace Garden.
The ashes of the deceased, or mementos, are placed within the chosen niche which is sealed by an expertly crafted bronze plaque.
These memorials are perpetual.
Cost:
- Row 1, 2 & 3: $4,000
- Row 4: $3,000
- Row 5: $2,500
Rose Memorials
A beautiful rose garden bed circles the Great Stupa on the highest level of the Memorial Terrace Garden.
The ashes of the deceased are mixed with the earth at the base of the rose bush, and an expertly crafted bronze plaque, with your chosen wording, is placed in tribute.
Rose Memorial plaques are in place for a period of 50 years from date of placement; after this time, the plaque will be relocated to an area in the Great Stupa Garden, where it will be kept in perpetuity.
The ashes of one person can be interred at one rose. If you wish to purchase a shared memorial, you may have 1/2 of both ashes placed together at the same time and both names would share the one plaque.
Cost: $4,500
Additional
information
Our memorial plaques
The memorial plaques are Australian made and crafted from solid bronze, with your chosen wording. You may include names, dates, and favourite quotes or sayings in your design.
All memorial plaques carry standard, Buddhist blessing emblems; a silhouette of the Great Stupa on the left, and a Dharma Wheel on the right.
For an additional cost you may include a photograph, personal emblem or design which is quoted at the time of creating the plaque.
Stupa Wall Memorials
Surrounding the Great Stupa,
highest row
Bronze oval plaque;
ashes or mementos placed in niche
Perpetual
$6,500
Tree Memorials
Terraced levels around the Great Stupa
Ashes mixed with earth;
plaque on sandstone block under the tree
50 years;
plaque moved to perpetual garden
$4,500
Wall Niche Memorials
Memorial Walls among Chinese Elm trees on first terrace
Ashes or mementos placed in niche;
bronze plaque
Perpetual
$2,500 – $4,000
Rose Memorials
Rose garden on the highest terrace
Ashes mixed with earth at the rose base;
plaque placed in tribute
50 years;
plaque moved to perpetual garden
$6,500
Frequently asked questions
General information
Are these memorials just for Buddhists?
Memorials are open to everyone, regardless of faith, and even include beloved family pets.
Can I pre-pay and plan for a future memorial for myself and/or family?
Yes, pre-planning provides comfort to your loved ones. You can reserve a memorial and pre-pay in full or pay a $500 deposit, with up to three years to complete the balance.
Can I reserve adjoining memorials?
Adjoining memorials can be reserved, subject to availability.
What do the fees cover?
Fees include the bronze plaque, a blessing (if requested), a donation to the Great Stupa, and an allocation for perpetual upkeep. Tree and Rose Memorials are for 50 years, after which plaques are relocated to a nearby memorial area for perpetuity. No ongoing fees apply.
Types of memorials
Where can ashes be placed at the Great Stupa site?
The workers at Jade Thongtavee were instructed to carefully collect every chip that came from Polar Pride during the carving process. These pieces of jade have been transformed into unique mementos of the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace which are available at The Great Stupa and online.
Must I place all the ashes with the memorial?
No, you can choose to place all, some, or none of the ashes. Memorial plaques can also honor loved ones without ashes.
What if I don’t have ashes of the deceased?
For Wall Memorials, you may place items like hair, nail clippings, photographs, letters, or belongings. However, Tree and Rose Memorials can only accept ashes.
Can I place ashes of more than one person in a Rose Memorial?
A Rose Memorial can hold the ashes of one person or half the ashes of two individuals. Tree Memorials can accommodate ashes of up to two people.
Memorial arrangements
How long does it take to arrange a memorial?
It takes approximately 12 weeks to finalise a memorial, including the bronze plaque. Interments can proceed sooner, and the plaque can be added later.
What days can I book for an interment (and blessing)?
Interments are available on weekdays, excluding weekends and public holidays. Weekdays are quieter, providing a more peaceful experience.
Is a memorial at the Great Stupa like a funeral?
Memorials are intimate gatherings typically attended by immediate family and friends. They are not comparable to traditional funerals.
How much space is available in the Memorial Wall?
Memorial Walls accommodate a space no larger than 145mm (W) x 115mm (H) x 250mm (L), suitable for a standard cremation urn.
Policies and expiry
What happens if a Memorial Tree or Rose needs to be replaced?
If a tree or rose requires replacement, soil containing ashes will be preserved and returned to the same location wherever possible.
What if I change my mind?
A 30-day cooling-off period applies. Refer to the “Memorial Booking Form” for more details.
Will my memorial booking expire?
- Fully paid memorials will expire after 108 years if unplaced.
- Reserved places with a deposit must be paid in full by the specified date or will expire. Rebooking is subject to current prices.
Bequests
When preparing your Will, please consider a bequest to The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion.
We recommend you speak to your Solicitor or Trustee Company about your Will and how best to make your bequest. It is possible to identify a specific purpose for your bequest. However, we recommend that you check with us in advance so that we can make appropriate plans to implement your wishes.
In general, the following are the main types of bequests you may care to consider.
General bequest
A bequest in which you give a fixed amount of money, or a percentage (for example 50%) of your estate, to The Great Stupa.
Specific bequest
A bequest of specific articles of property, such as houses, land, shares, cars, furniture, or jewellery, which are given to The Great Stupa.
Residual bequest
A bequest which is made up of the remainder of your estate after the Specific and General Bequests have been distributed to family and friends.
Perpetual trust bequest
A bequest where your solicitor or trustee company operates a perpetual trust which offers ongoing financial support to The Great Stupa.
Contact form
Our Memorial Manager will assist you with the arranging or pre-planning of a memorial, including helping you choose the wall, rose or tree location, the plaque design and a Buddhist blessing.
The interment usually takes place once the plaque has been crafted which usually takes a few months to arrange.
For further enquiries, or to proceed with a memorial, please call or email to arrange a meeting time with the Memorial Manager.
- +61 3 5446 7568
- memorials@stupa.org.au
-
25 Sandhurst Town Road,
Myers Flat (Bendigo)
VIC 3556
Opening hours
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
Monday to Friday
9am to 5pm
Stupa temple opens at 9:30am to 4:45pm
Weekends and public holidays
10:30am to 5pm
Stupa temple opens at 10:45am to 4:45pm
Contact us
- +61 3 5446 7568
- info@stupa.org.au
-
25 Sandhurst Town Road,
Myers Flat (Bendigo)
VIC 3556
Opening hours
- The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
Weekdays 9 am – 5 pm
Weekends & Public Holidays
10:30 am – 5 pm
Christmas Day CLOSED
- StupaView Cafe
Weekdays 9 am – 3 pm
Weekends & Public Holidays
10:30 am – 3 pm
Christmas Day CLOSED
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