Vennimala Sri Rama Lakshmana Perumal Temple is one of the oldest Rama temples in South India. Located in the 4th ward of Puthupally, about 15 km from Kottayam, it lies 2 km south of Vellor and can be accessed via K.K. Road from Kottayam through Manarkad, with signboards guiding the way. According to legend, Lord Rama and Lakshmana visited this hillside during their exile. At that time, numerous sages meditated in the caves of Vennimala but were troubled by demons. Upon their request, Lakshmana defeated the demons, earning the place the name Vijayadri (Hill of Victory) in Sanskrit, which later evolved into Vennimala in Malayalam. The temple more was built by Cheraman Perumal Bhaskara Ravivarma, the King of Kerala, under the guidance of Sage Kapila. The site, originally known as Iravipuram, was discovered by the king following astronomical directions and the guidance of a local hunter named Iravi. Enchanted by the beauty of the hill, the king built a palace here, though it no longer remains. He declared Lord Rama as his ruler, naming the deity “Vennimala Perumal.” The temple later came under the rule of the Thekkumkoor kings, making Vennimala the capital of their kingdom. Historical references to the temple can be found in Unnuneeli Sandesam, a 14th-century literary work. In 1749, King Marthanda Varma of Venadu conquered Thekkumkoor, incorporating it into Thiruvithamkoor (Travancore). The temple, believed to be over a thousand years old, showcases a distinct architectural style. While the main idol is that of Lakshmana Perumal, Sri Rama is also worshipped in the Sreekovil (sanctum). The temple faces west, and the entrance is marked by a Dwara Gopura in Kerala style, followed by an Anappandal, two Dhwajastambhas, and the Balikkalpura (sacrificial hall). The Valiambalam (outer hall) includes a built-in Koothambalam (performance hall), and its exterior features a Vilakkumadom (lamp pavilion). A unique aspect of the temple is its Sreekovil, which follows the Ghata Prasada style, resembling a pot. It is a rare architectural design in South India. The circular Sreekovil is built of stone, with a neck-shaped Mukhamantapa (portico) adorned with wooden panels and stone pillars. The entire structure is topped with an integrated copper roof. A notable relic within the temple is the Kanikka Vanchi, an ancient teakwood offering box with a brass locking system, situated inside the Namaskara Mantapa (prayer hall). Vennimala temple is unique in that it follows a dualistic concept, with the idol installed in a way that represents divine energy rather than a physical deity. It is also known for ancestral worship (Pithrutharpana), believed to be highly effective. For centuries, sages conducted these rituals for the peace of departed souls, and Vennimala remained the only temple in central Kerala specializing in these rites. The temple's religious legacy continues under the spiritual guidance of the Thazhamon family, while the Mepattor family oversees its administrative traditions. Today, Vennimala Sri Rama Lakshmana Swamy Temple remains an important centre of devotion, historical significance, and cultural heritage.