Rāmānuja's Cousin and Disciple
Embar (also known as Govinda Bhaṭṭar) was Rāmānuja's cousin by birth and a devoted disciple by grace. He is revered as one of the foremost among Rāmānuja's 74 simhāsanādhipatis (throne-heirs) — the key disciples entrusted with transmitting the tradition. He later received the renounced order and is remembered in the Ōrāṇ-vazhi guru-paramparā between Rāmānuja and Parāśara Bhaṭṭar.
The Shadow Story
A famous incident: Embar once saw his guru Rāmānuja standing in the hot sun. He immediately used his own body as shade for the ācārya, shielding him from the heat. Rāmānuja, moved by this spontaneous act, embraced Embar and declared him to be among the greatest devotees. This story illustrates ācārya-bhakti — love for the teacher that exceeds self-concern.
Teacher in the Guru-paramparā
Embār was the Āchārya of Parāśara Bhaṭṭar and Vedavyāsa Bhaṭṭar. Tirukkurugai Pirān Piḷḷān, by contrast, is principally remembered as Rāmānuja's disciple and adopted spiritual son. Embār's place in the paramparā is therefore especially significant through the Bhaṭṭar lineage.
Legacy
Embar represents the tradition's affirmation that sincere devotion and surrender to the guru — regardless of āśrama or social position — is the true qualification for spiritual advance. His tomb-shrine (samādhi) is venerated at Śrīraṅgam.