In pics: Jayalalithaa supporters mourn her demise as TN prepares for last rites

A sea of humanity swamped the Rajaji Hall grounds with people, cutting across religion, caste and age barriers, pouring in to pay their last respects to their beloved and revered leader J Jayalalithaa, whose body lay in state. Amid the pall of gloom, people with teary eyes and crying inconsolably kept streaming into the Rajaji Hall, off the arterial Anna Salai in the heart of the city, to have a final glimpse of 'Amma' (mother as she was fondly called by her followers), who passed away last night.

Tamil Nadu beloved Chief Minister  J Jayalalithaa died on Monday night at 11:30 in Chennai, after suffering a cardiac arrest on 4th December. Jayalalithaa  had been battling for life for the last 75 days. She had complained of fever, dehydration and congestion on September 22, after which she had been in intensive care. 

Jayalalithaa last rites (Image:ANI)

Shops and commercial establishments down shutters after the demise of J Jayalalithaa (Visuals from Anna Nagar)

Jayalalithaa last rites (Image:ANI)

As preparations are underway at MGR Memorial at Marina beach for last rites ceremony of J Jayalalithaa, people mourn her demise

Jayalalithaa last rites (Image:ANI)

AIADMK supporters mourn the death of JJayalalithaa, who passed away last night after a cardiac arrest. AIADMK supporters in Coimbatore pay floral tribute to J Jayalalithaa

Jayalalithaa last rites (Image:ANI)

Tributes being paid to Jayalalithaa at Rajaji Hall in Chennai where her mortal remains have been kept