Guiding Farewells For Nearly A Century 向一个世纪挥手告别

Kong Meng San Phor Kar See (KMSPKS) houses one of Singapore’s oldest crematoriums. With only two Buddhist crematoriums in Singapore, this facility, marked by its distinctive blue gable and golden spirals in Thai-inspired designs, capture the eye.

Established nearly a century ago, the Crematorium’s origins are intertwined with the opening of the Pu Tong Columbarium on July 8, 1936. Over the decades, it has served as a significant spiritual site, witnessing the final farewells of many prominent Buddhist figures in Singapore. The Crematorium’s rich history and enduring presence make it a symbol of both tradition and continuity.

In the mid-20th century, the Crematorium (火化场) was known as 化身窑. Back then, cremation was a labourintensive process relying on firewood and fuel, taking up to six hours per cremation. A major turning point came in 1977, when the facility transitioned to gas-powered cremation, reducing the process to 90 minutes. This upgrade not only improved efficiency but also enhanced safety for workers.

Today, as one enters the furnace room, the contrast between the past and present becomes evident. The once oppressive heat of the manual process has given way to modern ventilation systems and cooling fans, significantly improving working conditions. The cremation process now involves precise monitoring of temperature and burning data to ensure complete cremation, with adjustments made as necessary.

While the Crematorium serves as a place of departure, it is also a place of remembrance. Many families return to the Ji Ling Hall to hold prayers for their departed loved ones. The hall provides custody services for ashes, which can be kept for periods ranging from 21 to 100 days, offering a space for continued connection between the living and the departed. This enduring relationship highlights the Crematorium’s role as more than just a functional facility; it is a sanctuary of solace, reflection and spiritual continuity.

Yet, like all things, even this historic site must evolve with the times. In mid- 2025, the Crematorium will undergo a significant change, marking another new chapter in its long history. During this period, Cremation services will be suspended, but the planned upgrades will ensure that the Crematorium’s legacy endures, meeting both contemporary needs and honouring its deep roots.

As one steps away from the Crematorium, a sense of reverence lingers in the air. Through nearly a century of service, it has remained a quiet yet powerful symbol of impermanence. In its unassuming persistence, the KMSPKS Crematorium continues to bridge the divide between life and death, offering a space where generations have said their goodbyes and found peace. This legacy building, with its cycles of renewal and continuity, reminds us that in confronting mortality, we find clarity about life’s fleeting yet precious nature.

KMSPKS will not be offering cremation services from mid-June. Ji Ling Hall and chanting services are still available. The Crematorium Office will be temporarily situated next to the Multi-storey Car Park. For more information, you may contact 6849 5300 or visit kmspks.org.

光明山普觉禅寺拥有一座近百年历史的火化场，不仅是新加坡最古老的火化场之一，更是本地仅有的两座佛教火化场之一。此栋建筑以其独特的蓝色屋檐和金色螺旋形的泰式设计风格受人瞩目。

火化场建立于近一个世纪前，其历史最早可追溯至1936年7月8日落成的普同塔。数十年来，这里一直是新加坡重要的宗教场域，更见证了许多本地高僧大德的别离。火化场近百年来都风雨无碍地帮助无数的生命完成体面告别。这里不仅承载了佛教的传统，更延续着信仰与生命的意义。

在20世纪中叶，当时火化场被称为“化身窑”，彼时需要大量柴火与燃料，整个火化过程需长达六小时之久。1977年，火化炉进行了技术上的升级，正式翻新为煤气式火化炉，火化时间缩短至九十分钟。这不仅显著提升了火化效率，也为 工作人员提供了更加安全的工作环境。

踏入如今的火化炉机房，就能明显感受到过往与现在的不同。昔日的炙热和劳累早已成了历史，现代化的通风系统和冷却设备大大改善了闷热的工作环境。如今的火化过程也可在精确的温控和燃烧数据的监测下圆满完成，火化师也可在必要时进行调整。

其实，火化场除了是面对生死离别的场合，也是家属追思悼念之处。许多家属会先将逝去亲人的骨灰安置在寄灵堂诵经祭拜。这里提供21天至100天不等的寄灵服务，为生者与逝者之间的情感连接，留下一段缓冲的时间。其实，火化场的服务意义早已超越了其功能性。这里除了为逝者体面送别，也为生者提供了慰藉心灵、寄托哀思的精神支柱。

随着时间的推移，这座承载历史的建筑也将面对新时代的需求与挑战。火化场将于 2025年中开始拆除翻新。施工期间，火化服务将暂停，但寺院仍会继续提供寄灵和诵经服务。重建后的火化场将以更现代、更高效的面貌，继续服务大众，承接这百年的传统与使命。

踏出火化场的那一刻，心中油然而生一种庄严敬畏之情。近百年的服务，让这个宁静庄严的地方成为生命无常的象征。约百年的静默守护下，光明山普觉禅寺火化场架起无数生与死之间的桥梁，为一代又一代人提供安宁告别的庄重场所。这座随着历史流动的建筑不断地提醒我们：或许面对生命的终点，我们才能发现其短暂与珍贵，以及无常生灭的意义。

自6月中起，光明山普觉 禅寺将暂停提供火化服务，但寺院仍会继续提供寄灵和诵经服务。火化场的临时服务柜台将设置于多层停车场旁。如需了解更多详情，请致电 6849 5300 或浏览 kmspks.org.