The devotion of goddess mari was commenced in Tulunadu during 17th century. Basappa Nayaka, one of the prominant rulers of Keladi royal family built a fort “Manoharagadha” on Kapu seashore in 1743. He also constructed a fort in Mallar to Shelter his military (Dandu). The goddess “Dandinamari” came along the military and settled in Kapu.