Jayalalithaa Rests Forever Next to MGR, Clad in Favourite Green Sari

Chennai: Amid heart-rending scenes, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was on Tuesday evening laid to rest near the grave of her political mentor MG Ramachandran at the Marina beach with full state honours.

Soon after the rituals got over around 6pm, the sandalwood casket carrying Jayalalithaa's mortal remains was lowered down after the traditional gun salute amidst emotional chants of 'Amma Vazhga' (Long Live Amma) by the thousands of people who had converged there.

This included showering of flower petals and sandalwood pieces after which the casket was lowered, symbolising the culmination of the customary rituals of the last rites.

In death too, Jayalalithaa was in her favourite green colour saree, which some AIADMK leaders say was her lucky charm.

On Tuesday morning, Jayalalithaa's body was moved to Rajaji Hall from her Poes Garden residence for people to pay their last respects.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, his counterparts from several states, Governor Vidyasagar Rao, DMK leader M K Stalin and superstar Rajnikanth were among the dignitaries who paid homage at Rajaji Hall where the body of the 68-year-old leader lay in state since early morning.

Panneerselvam, Sasikala and others were seated on the military truck that was towing the casket-laden carriage.

The vehicle proceeded slowly through the streets packed with mourners towards Marina Beach.

Congress leaders Gandhi, and Ghulam Nabi Azad, Panneerselvam and Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao paid floral tribute to Jayalalithaa there.

The religious last rites were simplified with Sasikala and her relative putting some sandal wood, flowers and other items as per the advice given by a religious expert.(With agency inputs)