Chennai: The mortal remains of M S Subbulakshmi, the doyen of Carnatic music, who passed away late last night (Dec 11, 2004), were consigned to flames in Chennai this evening (Dec 12, 2004) with full State honours.

Hundreds of music lovers, who had thronged the Besant Nagar electric crematorium in south Chennai, bade a tearful farewell to the 88-year-old icon of Indian classical music.

The last rites were performed by 'Kalki' Murali, grandnephew of Subbulakshmi and Sadasivam at 5.40 hrs (IST).

The President, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, paid a fleeting visit to the city this afternoon to pay his last respects to the musical genius, who died after a bout of 'broncho pneumonia' in a private hospital.

On arrival in the city, he motored down to her residence at Kotturpuram and placed a wreath on the body. He spent nearly 10 minutes at her house to console the relatives. He was accompanied by the State Governor, Surjit Singh Barnala.

At the crematorium, police team presented a 21-gun salute before the body was put at the electric pyre. Tamil Nadu Public Works Minister, O Panneerselvam and the information secretary, represented the State at the funeral.

Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) president and former Chief Minister, M Karunanidhi, had earlier visited the vocalist's residence to place wreaths and pay floral tributes.

Scores of musicians including Balamurali Krishna, P Susheela, S Janaki, Jesudas, danceuse, Sonal Mansingh and several prominent politicians and film personalities also paid their homage to the departed musical genius.