Legendary music composer Ilayaraja has announced that a Moksha Deepam will be lit for director Bharathiraja’s late son, Manoj, at the Ramana Maharishi Ashram in Tiruvannamalai, praying for his soul’s peace.

Manoj passed away on March 25 due to health complications, leaving the film industry in shock. His final rites were performed on March 26, and many celebrities continue to visit Bharathiraja to offer their condolences.

Ilayaraja, a close friend of Bharathiraja, has taken this spiritual step to honor Manoj. Previously, he had performed the same ritual for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother, legendary singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, and actor Puneeth Rajkumar upon their passing.

The Moksha Deepam is a Hindu tradition, symbolizing prayers for the peaceful transition of a departed soul. It is commonly performed in temples, ashrams, and on the banks of sacred rivers.