Sri Vaikunta Perumal Temple is the significant Vishnu temple situated in the heart of Madhuratnangalam. Situated in the midst of emerald green rice-fields stretching up to a vast area is located the ancient village of Madhuratnangalam. It is approximately fifteen kilometers from Sriperumbudur, and eight kilometers to the north of Sunkuvar Chatram on the Chennai-Bangalore highway. This place originally was known as Mazhalaimangalam. This is so called because it is home to a very old Vishnu temple, dating back to the Chola times. In this temple the presiding deity is Vaikuntha Perumal. Madhuratnangalam occupies a special place in the hearts of Srivaishnavas, on account of this temple and also because it is the birthplace (avatara-Sthala) of the eminent Srivaishnava preceptor, Embar Svami. There is also erected a separate sanctum inside this temple-complex, which is assigned to this venerated preceptor Embar Svami. However the ancient village of Madhuratnangalam has achieved enough popularity owing to this Vaikuntha Perumal Temple.
Legend of Sri Vaikuntha Perumal Temple: - The legend of Sri Vaikuntha temple relates the exciting stories of Lord Sri Embar, an ancient preceptor associated with the temple. Moreover the greatness of Lord Sri Perumal, who appeared before the ruler of Tondaimandalam, is revealed from the legendary accounts associated with the temple. The legends have attached an antique splendor to the temple.
Architecture of Sri Vaikuntha Perumal Temple: - The structural design of the shrine and the artistic trappings over the temple walls depicts the brilliance of the artists in the contemporary era.
Festivals of Sri Vaikuntha Perumal Temple: - The festivals organized in Sri Vaikuntha temple signify the religious significance of the temple. The rituals in this temple are performed according to the Vaikhanasa mode of worship. During the festival season, it is celebrated with immense pomp and grandeur. Numerous festivals are conducted in this temple throughout the year. Among the important ones, mention may be made of the annual Brahmotsavam, held for ten days in the month of Chittirai (April-May), the Pavitrosavam in Avani (August-September), Navaratri in Purattasi (September-October) and Vaikuntha Ekadasi in Margazhi (December-January). Worshippers gather in the temple precincts during the Avatara Utsavam for Sri Embar Svami which is celebrated for ten days in the month of Thai (January-February), concluding on Punarvasu, his birth-star. His Tirunakshatram (birth-asterism) is also celebrated as an important festival every month in this shrine. The principal feature of this festival is that the devotees firmly believe that eye ailments are cured after offering worship to Lord Sri Embar enshrined in this temple
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