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, who was cremated here in 1969. The memorial lies on the northern end of the Marina abutting the MGR and Jayalalithaa Memorial. The veteran leader of the Dravida Munetra Kazhagam party and the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Karunanidhi is also buried at the same site on 8 August 2018.

History

In 1996–1998, during the DMK reign, the memorial was remodelled at a cost of 27.5 million 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. 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.
In 2012, the memorial was renovated at a cost of 12 million.

Museum

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