Jayalalithaa’s memorial to stand tall on Marina Beach before February 24

A grand memorial will be built in memory of the late Chief Minister.

Chennai, Dec 9: Marina Beach had turned into a sea of mourners as Jayalalithaa was laid to rest there on Tuesday evening. In memory of an era that came to an end, a grand memorial will be built in memory of the late Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo. Work of the grand structure would begin today. The memorial will be constructed next to the MGR’s memorial.

The Public Works Department, which owns the land, will construct the monument. Though the design has not been revealed, corporation and police officials said that the work would be completed soon and there will be no restrictions on the public paying homage.

Deccan Chronicle quote a senior AIADMK functionary as saying, “Dedicating the memorial to the nation on Amma’s birthday would be the greatest tribute that one can pay to her. All efforts would be taken to ensure that the memorial stands tall on that great day.” Reportedly, in the next couple of days, government order regarding sanctioning of the memorial is expected. ALSO READ- Jayalalithaa no more: Thousands flock to burial spot

To review security arrangements that have been made to facilitate people to pay their respects, a team of police officers and PWD officials visited the memorial on Thursday. As per reports, a known architect will design the memorial after being cleared by top AIADMK members.

Since her burial on Tuesday, some 30 metres away from her mentor MG Ramachandran (MGR), her supporters have been pouring in pay respects. Bodies of leaders like DMK founder and Chief Minister C N Annadurai and AIADMK founder MGR were also buried at the Marina Beach and memorials for them have been built there. Instead of being cremated,

While the traditional practice in Hinduism is to cremate the body of a dead person,  Jayalalithaa’s body was buried as per rituals of the Iyengar community she belonged to. The burial was done as a part of “integral part of Dravidian culture”. Burial is generally used for holy men, saints and children below the age of three. ALSO READ: Jayalalithaa buried at MGR memorial, Tamil Nadu’s Amma finally laid to rest

Jayalalithaa’s last journey started from Rajaji Hall to Marin Beach witnessed lakhs of people who thronged the streets for a final glimpse of their iconic leader. The three-kilometre procession through the streets of Chennai were packed on both sides by men and women, weeping the death of their beloved leader. Jayalalithaa was laid to rest with full state honours next to her mentor and party founder MGR. Her admirers while mourning her death showered petals at the hearse as it was taken to Marina Beach for final rites.