Vaikunda Perumal Temple Embar Temple

Overview

Sri Vaikunda Perumal Temple, also popularly known as the Sri Embar Temple is situated in Maduramangalam. Maduramangalam is a village located in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil-Nadu,India. In the ancient past, Madhuramangalam is known by the name Mazalaimagalam. This temple lies at a distance of about 65 km from Chennai and around 20 km from Sriperumbudur, near Sunguvar Chatram.

About The Temple

The Vaikunda Perumal temple at Maduramangalam is one of the oldest temples of Tamil Nadu which is almost 1000 years old. The temple is said to have been built by the Thondaimandala king named Suparna. The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Vaikunda Perumal who graces with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoomi Devi Thayars. The temple also houses a separate sanctum dedicated to Sri Kamalavalli Thayar.

Maduramangalam is considered the birthplace of Sri Embar, a religious scholar, who is also the first cousin of Sri Ramanujar. Sri Ramanujar is one of the greatest religious gurus and the founder of Vaishnavism philosophy. Both Sri Ramanujar and Sri Ember were the students of Sri Yadavaprakashar at Thiruputkuzhi. It was Sri Embar who saved Sri Ramanujar’s life when Yadavaprakashar tried to kill him due to difference of opinion over their teachings.

Sri Embar fisollowed Shaivism briefly after which he is said to have come back as a disciple of Sri Ramanujar and followed Vaishnavism until his death. Sri Embar was the one who taught Parasar Bhattar the teachings of Sri Ramanujar to make him the successor of the Sri Udayavar (Sri Ramanujar). Sri Embar is seen wearing a pendant given by Sri Udayavar in this temple. The temple tank is called the Garuda pushkarni. Sri Embar is believed to be an incarnation of Garuda. Thus the pushkarini got to be called Garuda Pushkarini.

Pooja Timings

Viswaroopa – 06:30 am.
Kaala Shanthi Pooja – 07:00 am.
Uchchi Kaala Pooja – 09:00 am.
Sayaratchi Pooja – 05:30 pm.
Raakkaala Pooja – 07:00 pm.
Aravanai Pooja – 08:30 pm.

Festivals

The following are the list of festivals celebrated in this temple
1. Bramhotsavam in the month of Chitrai - 10 days.
2. Pavitrotstsava in the Month of Avani.
3. Navarathri in the month of Purattasi.
4. Vaikunta Ekadesi in the month of Margazhi.
5. Avathara Usthavam of Swamy Embar in the Month of Thai (10 days) and it concludes on the Janma Nakshtra – Punarvasu. Every Month the Punarvasu Nakshtra is celebrated for Embar.

Rare Facts

The people of Maduramangalam strongly believe that they won’t be harmed by poisonous snakes or insect, due to the presence of this temple. It is also said that Aadiseshan is protecting the jewels of Swamy Embar, which are within the temple locker.

Significance

Childless couple worshipping the deity and Sri Ember in his temple are believed to be blessed with a child. The Lord here is also believed to cure all eye related ailments when prayed to by lighting a ghee lamp.

How to Reach Kanchipuram

Airport

Chennai International airport is close Kanchipuram at the distance of 75 km.

Railways

Trains to Kanchipuram are frequently operated from Chennai . Train services are also available at regular intervals from various other towns in Tamil Nadu. Kanchipuram has its own railway station, through which trains even ply connecting cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Pondicherry.

Road

Kanchipuram is well connected with all its neighbouring district through very convenient roadways. Buses are operated very frequently to almost all the towns and cities of Tamil Nadu and other neighbouring states.

Temple Address

Vaikuntha Perumal Temple / Embar Temple,
Madhuramangalam, Kanchipuram District,
Tamil Nadu, India, Pincode - 602 114.