The devotion of Goddess Mari commenced in Tulunadu during 17th century. Basappa Nayaka, one of the prominent rulers of Keladi royal family built a fort "Mahoragadha" on Kaup seashore in 1743. He also constructed a fort at Mallar to Shelter his military (Dandu). The goddess "Dandinamari" came along the military and settled in Kaup.
British rulers occupied the port after the demise of Tipu Sultan. People started to worship the goddess at a new temple in Pallapadpu.
Goddess Marai or Mari is regarded as “Kapuda Appe" (Mother of Kaup). Kaup houses three Mari temples. The temple at Pallipadpu is recocognized as old Marigudi. Earlier, people, irrespective of their caste and religion, were worshipping the goddess. But a dispute came between the Gowda Saraswath Brahmin families and other devotes regarding the management of the
The holy rituals at 'Hale Marigudi (Old Mari Temple), Hosa Marigudi (New Mari Temple) and Kalya Marigudi (Kalya Mari Temple) were held with devotion with devotees thronging in large numbers from all over the undivided district of Dakshina Kannada.