The devotion to Goddess Maari began in Tulunadu during the 17th century. In 1743, Basappa Nayaka, a notable ruler of the Keladi royal family, constructed a fort named ‘Manohara gadha’ on the Kapu seashore. Additionally, he built a fort in Mallar to provide refuge for his military forces (Dandu). According to local belief, the goddess ‘Dandinamari’ joined the military and settled in Kapu. Interestingly, the name Kapu, derived from the Tulu language, means ‘to wait,’ and to 'guard'.