The Jayalalithaa memorial has been the place where O Panneerselvam attempted to start a second innings in politics in February 2017. A few days later, VK Sasikala on her way to Bengaluru central jail, gesticulated as if taking an oath at the samadhi. 

But on Wednesday, a non-political journey began from Amma Samadhi at the Marina when a couple tied the knot, seeking blessings from the late Jayalalithaa. The occasion was the marriage of Satish, son of AIADMK leader S Bhavanishankar with Deepika. 

With the nadaswaram playing in the background and the chanting of holy hymns, the marriage was solemnised on the pathway leading to the samadhi. The AIADMK symbol of two leaves was also part of the floral arrangement. Since the late leader was believed to be blessing the couple, an `arti’ too was performed as the couple prostrated before the samadhi.  

Though initially the AIADMK leadership was reluctant to grant permission, it was finally okayed and party leaders Gokula Indira and Thamizh Magan Hussain attended the wedding along with over 200 guests who had been invited. It is quite possible that this may act as a precedent for other AIADMK leaders and cadre also to conduct marriages at Amma Samadhi. Jayalalithaa was buried by the side of MGR’s final resting place.