Tamil Nadu CM, Jayalalitha’s death has spread a wave of shock across the nation. She was declared dead yesterday night at 11.30 pm and today, her body is kept at Rajaji Hall in Chennai, wherein everyone is coming over to pay their last respect.
Her funeral would take place today evening and she would be buried next to the memorial of her mentor, Dr MGR, off Marina beach. But wait, aren’t you wondering as to why is she being buried and not cremated? Jayalalithaa was a believer and like other Iyengars(Hindu Brahmins of Tamil origin), even she was seen with an Iyengar Namam on her forehead. So, this is a big question for everyone as to why the Government and Sasikala’s(Her advisor) family has decided to bury her.
Chennai: Burial of #Jayalalithaa's mortal remains to take place at MGR memorial, Marina Beach pic.twitter.com/gqH0QjAII4
— ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2016
Let us highlight the reasons for you;
Reason 1
A senior government secretary gave this explanation and stated that Jayalalithaa wasn’t an Iyengar for them as she was beyond any caste or religious identity. He further added
“Even most of all the Dravidian leaders, including Periyar, Anna Durai and MGR, were all buried and we do not have a precedent of consigning their body to flames even after death. So, we bury them with sandalwood and rose water.”
Reason 2
Dravidian followers believe that the sound of MGR’s watch ticking can still be heard on Marina Beach (Near his memorial). So this could be another reason of her burial at same place where MGR was buried.
Reason 3 (Possibility)
To light the funeral pyre, a blood relative is needed. The only relative left is Deepa Jayakumar, daughter of Jayalalithaa’s late brother. Obviously, Sasikala’s family won’t let Deepa do this, since they fear a potential challenge. But this is just a possibility…
After seeing the reasons, we respect Jayalalithaa all the more! Thinking beyond caste and religion is a great thing, don’t you agree? Do share your views in our comments section below.
