Embar was born Govinda Perumal, the son of Sri Ramanuja's mother's sister, and the two grew up close. They studied together under Yadavaprakasa in Kanchi. On a pilgrimage to Kasi, Govinda learned of a plot against Ramanuja's life and warned him in time, so that Ramanuja could slip away into the forest and return safely to Kanchi.
For some years Govinda served at the Siva temple at Kalahasti. His uncle Periya Thirumalai Nambi, Alavandar's disciple, went there and, according to tradition, spoke to him of the Lord's glory until his heart turned. Govinda returned with him to Thirumala, learned at his feet, and later came to serve Ramanuja, who gave him sannyasa and the name Embar.
Embar is remembered for his humility and his care for his acharya, not for books. The tradition tells that he once lay down on his acharya's bed to make sure it was safe and comfortable. When told that a disciple who did that would incur a sin, he said he would gladly bear it if his acharya could rest well.
Ramanuja asked Embar to raise Kurathalwan's son, Parasara Bhattar, and to give him all that he had received. Embar did so with great love, and Bhattar became the next acharya of the sampradaya.