What is the purpose of a niche in a columbarium?

A niche in a columbarium is specifically designed for the inurnment of cremated remains. This structure provides a respectful and secure space where the urn containing the ashes can be placed. Columbariums are built with various compartments or niches that allow for the organized storage of multiple urns, making it a suitable option for families looking to memorialize loved ones in a dignified manner.

The other options describe functions that do not pertain to columbariums. Traditional caskets require larger spaces found in burial plots, while a cemetery office serves administrative purposes and is not related to the preservation of remains. Elaborate monuments are typically associated with headstones or grave markers found in traditional cemeteries, rather than within the context of a columbarium. Hence, the use of a niche aligns specifically with the purpose of honoring and housing cremated remains.