Tulu Nadu is a region on the southwestern coast of India, and Tulu is the most important language spoken in this area.  Tulu Nadu consists of the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka.  Tulu Nadu witnessed the power and rule of eminent kingdoms such as the Kadambas, Alupas, Vijayanagara dynasty, and Keladi Nayakas. In Tulu Nadu is situated Udupi, the town of temples, renowned for the presence of Lord Krishna and the eight Mutts. Close to Udupi is the town of Kapu, also spelt Kaup.  The word ‘Kapu’ means ‘to wait’ in Tulu and also means ‘to guard’. The British spelled Kapu as Kaup. Kapu has been famous for its landmark lighthouse, which is atop a rock. Kapu has always been known as ‘Hoovina Hitthilu’. Translated, this means a ‘garden of flowers’. To this day, Kapu is renowned for the grand nurseries that flourished in this area, the coconut, mango, and sapota gardens, apart from various other flora. 

 

It is in the town of Kapu, where Hosa Maariyamma temple is located. This goddess is recognised by all as ‘Kapu da appe’, meaning Mother of Kapu and ‘Satya da appe', meaning Mother of Truth. Along with the Lord of the Lands of Kapu, Sri Lakshmi Janardhana, Maariyamma blesses all her devotees who come with prayers and expectations.