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Sri Embãr was one of the primary disciples of Sri Ramanuja. He was called Govindaperumãl before he took to ascetic life. Once during a conversation with their Guru, Sri Ramanuja, the other disciples praised the devoutness, Jnãna and the Guru Bhakti of Govindaperumãl. Govindaperumãl, who was also present agreed to all that they said and started talking more in praise of himself ! Hearing his words, Sri Ramanuja said, “Is it not improper for a devotee like you to hear and acknowledge others praising you? What a shame! Instead of telling them that everything is due to the grace of the Lord you are indulging in self-praise?”.

Govindaperumãl replied, “When I was somewhere at Kalahasthi serving some god, wasn’t it You, my Lord, who graced me and gave me shelter at Thy Holy Feet ! All the virtues I possess are indeed Thy grace. If today people praise me for my virtues aren’t they in reality praising Your Grace? This being the case, how can I dare to tell that 'All these are only due to the grace of the Lord'? "

Pleased with the sweet words and the heartfelt Guru Bhakti of His beloved disciple, Sri Ramanuja blessed Govindaperumãl.

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