Description
Madhuramangalam Vaikunta Perumal Temple is located around 20 kilometers from Sriprumbudur and about 60 kilometers from Chennai. On the Chennai-Bangalore highway, there is a right turn towards Sunguvar chatram. After turning in the right direction at Vinayagar temple, people can reach this auspicious temple where Swami Embar took Avatharam.
History
The temple was known as Mazalaimagalam in the ancient days. According to records, the current temple is more than 1000 years old. It is believed to be in existence since the regime of Suparna, the Thondaimandala king. Sri Ember is the Aradhanamurthy (idol of worship) in the temple.
Importance/Significance
Madhuramangalam Vaikunta Perumal Temple is an important pilgrimage for those who believe in the Vaishnava sect of Hindu religion. Since they follow Lord Vishnu and Bhagwat Dharma, the Avathar Sthalam (place of incarnation) of Sri Ember becomes incredibly valuable for them. He gives the glimpse in the form of wearing a divine pendant gifted to him by beloved Sri Udayavar (Swami Ramanujacharya). The main deity of the temple is Sri Vaikuntha perumal along with his two wives Sri Devi and Bhoomi Devi. When Sri Ember used to live at this place with peace, Yadava Prakasha tried to assassinate him just because of a difference of opinion. Sri Ember became Shaivam for some period, but again came back to Vaishnav Dharm till he left his mortal body. He spread the teachings of Sri Uudayavar to everyone. The concepts of Vishishtadwaidam and Ramanuja Darshanam became popular because of Sri Embar. Devotees still feel his divine presence in the serene campus of this beautiful temple. It is the right place for meditation and swadhyayam (self study).
Facts/Mythology
As per belief Sri Embar is incarnation of Garuda, the divine bird. There is a water pond in the premised that is known as Garuda Pushkarini. People believe that they do not have any fear of snake bite because this holy place belongs to Garuda who is the enemy of snakes. There is another peculiarity of this temple. Childless couples visit the place to get blessed with offspring. It is believed that the temple and deity are extremely powerful and always blesses them who worship with complete faith. People say that lighting a lamp of “pure ghee” cures eye diseases.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The temple follows a lot of festivals and event throughout the year. People from different parts of Tamil Nadu and rest of the country come to have blessings of Lord Perumal and take part in the events. The month of Chitrai is very important, when a 10 days long Brahmotsava takes place. Pavitrottsava (The holy festival) in the month of Avani, Navrathri festival in the month of Purattasi, and Vaikunta Ekadasi in the month of Margazhi are other important events. Another big event gets celebrated in the month of Thai as per Tamil Calendar. It is the birth festival or Avathara Usthavam of Swami Embar. Other than the special celebrations, there is a monthly Thirunakshatram on Punarvasu Nakshatra (the Nakshatra of Swami Embar's birth).