The famous Neelamma Vepachettu is probably one of the oldest trees in the port city located at Assam Gardens, Bangarammapeta.
Sixty years ago the tree used to be in an open area sans temple. The shrine was built much later in tune with the people’s belief that there was a deity at the spot.
“During the temple anniversary, Navaratri and Sivaratri, the faithful from across the globe visit the premises as they believe that their wishes would come true. While the goddess is decked up with assorted vegetables on Ashadham Pournami (full moon), she is decorated with glass bangles on Sravanamasam pournami. This apart, special programmes are performed in September and October as well,” says Sri Hari Rao, Executive Officer of Sri Nelamma Vepachettu Ammavari Devasthanam.
He says that another neem sapling has been planted just adjacent to the old one as the branches of the tree have dried up.
The entire stretch that leads to Allipuram Road from the lane parallel to Dabagardens is known as Neelamma Vepachettu. Since the neighbouring area houses a number of low-income groups, there has always been a better access to domestic maids, carpenters and masons at Neelamma Vepachettu.
“From a pile of rubble that used to dot the street corners, the place has changed dramatically for the last few years. However, the pipelines laid for underground drainage system failed to take off,” says Perla Samba Murthy of Kameswari Jewellers who has been residing in the neighbourhood for over 16 years.
Residents say that mounds of garbage that get piled up in the bins not only leave an unbearable stink but also attract bandicoots.
Zone III Commissioner Bapi Raju; Mobile No: 9848882593; Helpdesk No: 0891-2707299.
