Ilaiyaraaja lights Moksha Deepam for Manoj Bharathiraja’s soul

Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja honored the late actor-director Manoj Bharathiraja by lighting a Moksha Deepam at the Sri Ramana Maharishi Ashram in Tiruvannamalai. The ritual, performed for the eternal peace of the departed, holds deep spiritual significance. Ilaiyaraaja has previously offered similar prayers for various notable figures, including actor Puneeth Rajkumar, singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother, Heeraben. His act of devotion reflects a long-standing tradition of lighting lamps in temples and riverbanks to ensure that the souls of the departed attain liberation.
Manoj Bharathiraja’s sudden demise and family’s grief
Manoj Bharathiraja, son of veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja, passed away at the age of 48 due to a sudden cardiac arrest. Despite undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai, he suffered a fatal heart attack on March 25 and was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. His untimely demise left his family, including his wife, children, and father, in deep sorrow. Bharathiraja was devastated, unable to bear the loss of his son. The final rites were performed at the Besant Nagar crematorium on March 26, with his daughters carrying out the rituals.
The significance of Moksha Deepam in hindu tradition
Moksha Deepam is a sacred ritual where a lamp is lit with prayers for the peaceful journey of the departed soul. It is commonly performed in temples, ashrams, and riverbanks as a mark of remembrance. In 2019, Ilaiyaraaja had similarly lit a Moksha Deepam at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai for the Indian soldiers who were martyred in the Pulwama attack. The lighting of the lamp symbolizes guiding the soul toward liberation, ensuring that it finds eternal peace.
Ilaiyaraaja’s spiritual gesture for Manoj Bharathiraja
By lighting a Moksha Deepam for Manoj Bharathiraja, Ilaiyaraaja paid a heartfelt tribute, offering prayers for his soul’s salvation. His gesture was not just an act of mourning but a profound spiritual offering. The renowned composer, known for his deep faith, continues to uphold the tradition of honoring departed souls, reinforcing the belief that their presence remains eternal in the hearts of loved ones.