Sri Vaishnava Hagiography  ·  1026–1127 AD

Embar Vaibhavam

எம்பார் வைபவம்

The glorious life of Sri Govinda Perumal (Embar) — the Acharya who walked as the eternal shadow of Ramanuja’s divine feet, reformed from Saivism to become the sacred link between Emperumanar and Parasara Bhattar in the unbroken Oran Vazhi preceptorial lineage.

Madhuramangalam → Kalahasti → Tirupati → Srirangam  ·  7 Chapters  ·  Full verbatim translation
Life Roadmap — Click any milestone to read
1
Chapter 1
Birth and Youth
The auspicious birth of Govinda Perumal and his cousin Ilayazhwar, their early Vedanta studies under Yadavaprakasa, and Govindar's role in saving his elder brother from a deadly plot.
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Chapter 2
Attachment to Saivism
During the Kasi pilgrimage, a Shiva Lingam falls into Govindar's hands — and he becomes a devoted Saiva, eventually heading the temple at Kalahasti.
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2
3
Chapter 3
Reformation — Thirutham
Thirumalai Nambi's three masterly visits to Kalahasti: through pasuram, logic, and a single line of Thiruvaimozhi, Govindar is drawn back to the path of Vaishnavism.
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Chapter 4
Path of Vaishnavism & Devotion to the Acharya
Govinda Perumal joins Ramanuja in Tirupati and then Srirangam, displaying extraordinary Acharyabhakti — testing the Acharya's bed, removing a thorn from a snake, and more.
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4
5
Chapter 5
Asceticism & Becoming “Embar”
Govinda Perumal receives the tridanda staff from Ramanuja, is given the divine name "Embar," and his life in Srirangam as Ramanuja's constant shadow and confidant.
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Chapter 6
Embar as Scholar & Teacher
Embar's profound theological interpretations of the Divya Prabandham, his place in the Oran Vazhi Acharya lineage, and his instruction of Parasara Bhattar.
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Chapter 7
Conclusion of the Incarnation
Ramanuja's final moments on Embar's lap, Embar's last instructions to Bhattar, his own departure to Sri Vaikuntham, and the Vazhi Thirunamam and Mangalam.
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