Jayalalithaa's relatives re-perform last rites as per Hindu customs for her 'moksha'

MANDYA: J Jayalalithaa's relatives re-performed her last rites at Paschima Vahini on the banks of Cauvery River in the holy town of Srirangapatna on Tuesday. They expressed apprehension that her soul would not attain 'moksha' (emancipation from the cycle of death and birth) because she was buried instead of being cremated as per strict Hindu customs.

Chief priest Ranganath Iyengar performed the last rites, cremating a doll, meant to be her replica. He said to help Jayalalithaa's soul attain 'moksha', her body should have been cremated. Some rituals will be observed for five days to appease her soul, he said.

Jayalalithaa's step-brother Varadaraju, who led the rituals, felt her party should have honoured her beliefs. "Had my sister been an atheist, she would not have visited temples, participated in Hindu festivals nor observed Hindu traditions. Why did her party take the decision to bury her? Why did they keep us away from her last rites."

Soon after Jayalalithaa's burial on December 6, doubts were raised about the ritual not being performed as per Hindu rites.

Some relatives felt as Jayalalithaa was a staunch believer of Hindu rituals, her last rites should have been performed as per Iyengar customs.

Jayalalitaa's nephews, who are living in Mysuru and Melukote, also expressed disappointment. They joined Jayalalithaa's step-brother Varadaraju in re-performing her last rites.