|
Some of the well-known memorials in Chennai are: |
|
 Situated amidst a little garden at the northern end of Marina Beach lies the mortal remain of Annadurai, opposite to the Chennai University. This majestic structure was built in memory of the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C.N. Annadurai, at the very place where he was laid to rest. The main entrance of the park is spotted by an arch that looks like converging tusks of an elephant. The small tomb at Anna Square is provided with a pillar like structure with an eternal flame. Besides the memorial the park, which is spread over an area of about 510 hectares, it includes a small safari park, a nocturnal animal house, an aquarium and a museum.
The park at Anna Square witnesses increasing number of visitors throughout the year. For the resident population the park premises forms a deal getaway place, far away from the maddening crowd. The very word Anna, that is synonymous to an elder brother, is held as a mark of respect and so is Anna Square. It is also renowned as one of the 7 wonders in Chennai. |
| |
|
 The Gandhi Mandapam, Chennai's honor to Mahatma Gandhi, is a graceful memorial that lies beside the Guindy National Park. In this age of Gun culture, Gandhiji proved that Ahimsa (non violence) is the best weapon with which we can fight oppression in a successful way. Gandhiji was assassinated on 30-1-1948. This memorial is situated at Guindy, on Sardar Vallabhai Patel Rd, Opposite to Anna University. Entry is free and open on holidays also between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
|
| |
|
 The grand memorial of M.G.Ramachandran, the idol actor - turned - Chief Minister is located on the sands of Marina beach overlooking the Chennai University on Beach Rd Kamaraj Salai, where he was cremated. It consists of a samadhi and a park.
|
| |
|
This memorial with a tall gopuram is built in memory of Independent India's first Governor General C.Raja-gopalachari, a statesman par excellence. It is close to the snake park and the children's park, next to Gandhi Mandapam, on Sardar Vallabhai Patel Rd, Guindy. It is open throughout the year between 9 a m to 5.30 p.m. |
| |
|
Rajiv Gandhi Memorial of Sriperumbudur, 40 kms away from Chennai, is a memorial built in the memory of late Rajiv Gandhi, the charismatic Prime Minister of India. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated at the town of Sripermbudur on 21st May 1991 and the memorial reflects the reverence to the great leader. The Rajiv Gandhi Memorial was dedicated to the nation by the then Indian President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, on 10th October 2003.
The memorial consists of a square platform of size 40'x 40' on which, a raised platform having diameter of 21' has been built. The raised platform is made of yellow marble stone. On the elevated platform there is a picture of late Rajiv Gandhi made of stone block of pink granite.
There are seven monumental granite pillars, which encircle the blast site. The granite pillars have bronze capital on its top. These pillars represent the concepts of Satya, Dharma, Vigyan, Nyaya, Shanti, Tyaga and Samrudhi. The seven sacred rivers of our country, Yamuna, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Sindhu, Narmada and Kaveri are also represented by the pillars. At the base of the pillars different quotations of Rajiv Gandhi have been engraved. Each of the pillars has separate patterns of carving.
Sriperumbudur, incidentally is the birthplace of Sri Ramanujar, the Vaishnavite saint. |
| |
|
 The Valluvar Kottam, on the corner of Kodambakkam High Road and Village Road, Chennai, is a standing memorial of the immortal Tamil Poet-Saint Thiruvalluvar. It is a spectacular auditorium, constructed on reclaimed land from an unused lake filled with the city's garbage and debris. It was opened in the year 1976 and the auditorium is said to be the largest in Asia and can accommodate about 4000 people.
All the 1330 verses of the poet's epic - the Thirukkural, which is the best philosophy written ever by a Tamil Poet, are inscribed on the granite pillars that surround the auditorium and it has got no pillars for support. There is a 101-feet high temple chariot structure with a life-size image of the poet in it. This chariot is a replica of the temple car of Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu. The base of the chariot shows in bas-relief the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural. Over 3,000 blocks of stone were used to create this memorial to Tamil culture. |
| |
|
Among the best known War Memorials in Chennai, stands the War Memorial Hall. The War Memorial Hall consists of a circular structure made out of rock and marble. This famous War Memorial was built to respect all those soldiers who gave away their lives while fighting for the country's honor during the course of World War I. The War Memorial Hall in Chennai is situated on the Beach Roads near the Island Grounds. |
| |
|
The Architect of the Indian Constitution who championed the cause of the down-trodden and exploited millions was born on 14th April 1891 and died on 5th December, 1956. His Memorial Mani Mandapam is built at Mandaveliipakkam, and one can visit this memorial between 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. |
| |
|
Bharathiyar Illam constitutes the house of one of the pioneering poets of the region, Subramanya Bharathi. Subramanya Bharathi was born in the year1882 in small village called Ettayapuram, which is about 600 kms from the Chennai city. The works of the poet are considered to be exceptional.
For people interested in poetry Bharathiyar Illam is an enlightening place. The house used to be the dwelling place of the pet in his later years of life. Bharathiyar Illam was bought by the state government in the year 1993. After some renovations and restorations it was thrown open to public (same year 1993). The house, situated in the Triplicane features the life and the times of the great poet. The house contains the pictures and archives of his family and friends. Some hand written verses of Bharathiyar have been preserved in the house. The preserved records also contain a letter from Mahatma Gandhi to mark the opening of Bharathiyar Mani Mandapam. |
| |
|
Kamaraj Memorial House is built in the memory of the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri Kamaraj. He was an ideal for all the Indians, as he rose out of poverty and became the Chief Minster thrice. The Memorial House was inaugurated in 1978 by the then Chief Minister, M. G. Ramchandaran. The memorial is spread on the two floors of the building. It showcases the personal photographs and effects of Shri Kamaraj, which provide an insight into his life.
The second floor of the House also displays a number of his belongings, like luxuriant Felicitation Shawls, his simple attire, his suitcases, timepiece, pens and utensils. One of the prized possessions of this exhibition is the prison coat, worn by him while serving term in prison in the year 1942. The displayed personal effects of Kamaraj include his spectacles, a spool tape player and even a Gillette shaving set. Apart from this, there are also pictures showing the leader in different moods. |
| |
|
|
