Anna Memorial

Coordinates: 13°03′56″N 80°17′04″E / 13.0656°N 80.2844°E

Anna Memorial

Anna memorial, locally known as Anna Samadhi, is a memorial structure built on the Marina beach in Chennai, India. It was built in memory of former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C. N. Annadurai (1967-69), who was cremated here in 1969. The memorial lies on the northern end of the Marina abutting the MGR Memorial.

History

The entrance arch of the memorial

Northern view of the memorial

In 1996-1998, during the DMK reign, the memorial was remodelled at a cost of ₹ 27.5 million^[1] and the entrance arch carried the design of 'Rising Sun', the symbol of the DMK party. However, the design was removed after the AIADMK party returned to power in May 2001.^[2] The renovation resulted in the original tusk-shaped entrance arch giving way to a highly polished marble tiled structure, widened pathways, and building of ornamental octagonal mantapams. After the Indian Ocean tsunami struck the coastal parts of the state in December 2004, the memorial, along with other structures on the seashore, was affected. Subsequently, repair works were undertaken at a cost of ₹ 13.3 million.^[1]

In 2012, the memorial was renovated at a cost of ₹ 12 million.^[1]

Museum

Museum at the memorial

Inside the museum at the memorial

The memorial also houses a museum on Annadurai, which is located at the northern side.

See also

• MGR Memorial
• Marina Beach

References

1. "Rs. 8.90 crore for renovation of Anna, MGR memorials". The Hindu (Chennai: The Hindu). 30 January 2012. Retrieved 13 Jan 2013.
2. "Jaya inaugurates renovated MGR memorial". Chennai Patrika (Chennai: ChennaiPatrika.com). 10 December 2012. Retrieved 13 Jan 2013.