Aranmula a small village in KERALA is renowned for making a wonderful type of Metal Mirror called ‘Aranmula Kannadi’. Aranmula Metal Mirror manufacturing was staged in the early 18th century. It represents a fascinating area of culture and technological curiosity.
This unique metal mirror of Aranmula, reflects a rich cultural as well as metallurgical heritage of a golden past in the history of Kerala. The British Museum in London keeps an eighteen inch tall Aranmula Metal Mirror, which speaks of its uniqueness.
The origin of the metal mirrors of Aranmula is closely laced with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. The legend has it, that eight families of expert in temple arts and craft had been brought by the local Royal Chief of Amnmula from Sankarankoil situated in the present day Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu in connection with certain works in the Parthasarathy Temple centuries ago.
While working with the bronze to make a crown for the Lord Parthasarathy, to their surprise the artisans discovered the reflective property of one particular copper-tin alley. However they failed to reproduce the compositions. The oral history continues to say that a divine interference came from Parvathi Amma, a widow of community, through a dream. She received a secret ratio of the alley.
There is a story in Puranas, that, the mirror of Godess Parvathi , is a diva Vasthu which symbolizes pact with God. The Aranmula Metal Mirror is a unique object, mysterious in its creation unequalled in its beauty. The metal mirror, a marvel in the annals of metallurgy was in vogue long before the appearance of today’s Silicon synthetic glass mirror.It was in use far off Egypt and Bagdad.
There are only a few families in the world who practice the art of making Metal Mirrors. Some undisclosed metals are alloyed with copper and tin to cast the Metal Mirror. The polishing can go on for one to two days so as to achieve highly reflective surfaces.
Aranmula Kannady brings good luck,wealth and Prosperity to your House and Life