Sriperumpudur Maduramangalam Vaikuntha Perumal Temple (Embar Temple), Kanchipuram

Address

Maduramangalam, Sriperumpudur,

Kanchipuram district,

Tamil Nadu – 602105

Phone: +91 44 – 27162236 Mobile: +91 – 9444898548

Moolavar

Vaikuntha Perumal

Amman

Sridevi and Bhoomi Devi

Introduction

The Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, also known as the Embar Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated in Maduramangalam Village, near Sriperumpudur, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.

Presiding Deity: The primary deity of the temple is Lord Vaikuntha Perumal, a form of Lord Vishnu. He is accompanied by His consorts, Sridevi and Bhoomi Devi Thayar. The deity faces the east.
Historical Significance: The temple is ancient, with a history of more than a thousand years. It is believed to have been constructed by a Thondaimandala king named Suparna.
Thenkalai Tradition: The temple follows the Thenkalai tradition of Vaishnavism, which is one of the two major sub-traditions within the Sri Vaishnava tradition.
Agamam Tradition: The temple follows the Vaikhanasa Agama, which is a tradition of temple worship and rituals.
Embar’s Connection: The village of Maduramangalam is closely associated with Sri Embar, who was a cousin of Sri Ramanuja. Embar, also known as Ramanuja padhachhaaya, played a significant role in the life of Sri Ramanuja. He initially followed a Shaivite path but later embraced Sri Vaishnavism under the guidance of Sri Ramanuja. Embar’s intervention and support saved Sri Ramanuja’s life when their Advaita guru, Yadava Prakasha, plotted to kill Ramanuja due to theological differences.
Embar’s Incarnation: Sri Embar is considered to be an incarnation of Garuda, the divine eagle who serves as the vehicle (vahana) of Lord Vishnu. The temple’s Pushkarini (temple tank) is known as Garuda Pushkarini.
Unique Beliefs: Local villagers believe that visiting the temple and partaking in a special offering called Kozhukkattai can bless childless couples with offspring. It is also believed that lighting a ghee lamp and praying to Embar Swamy can cure eye ailments.
Special Features: The temple houses a separate sanctum for Sri Kamalavalli Thayar, who is seated and facing east. The temple’s tank is known as Garuda Pushkarani. Embar’s pendant, a significant relic, is also on display during his darshan.
Festivals: The temple celebrates various festivals, including Brahmotsavam in the month of Chitrai (April-May), Pavitrotsavam in the month of Avani (September), Navarathri in the month of Purattasi, Vaikunta Ekadesi in the month of Margazhi (December), and the Avathara Usthavam of Swamy Embar in the month of Thai (January), which spans ten days and concludes on Embar’s birth star, Punarvasu. Additionally, Embar’s birth star, Punarvasu, is celebrated every month.