Author: Aranmula Kannadi

The popularity of Aranmula Kannadi, a unique metal mirror, across the seas has taken Aranmula, a small hamlet on the banks of the Pampa, to the world rural tourism map.

This marvelous piece of ancient metallurgy, that gives distortion-free images, has been a key attraction to many a tourist, especially those from abroad.The ever-increasing demand for the metal mirror itself shows its growing popularity.Aranmula Kannadi or Arnamula Metal-mirror making is a long, intricate process that needs patience.

Secret recipe Of arnamula Kannadi

Some ‘undisclosed’ metals are alloyed with copper and tin to case the metal mirror in typical clay moulds. The method used is the age-old ‘lost-wax’ process.

The craftsman melts the metals in a pit-furnace fitted with a manual blower and pours it into clay moulds of different sizes.

The moulded metal disc will be mounted on a wooden plank to polish it using fine powder of burnt clay and castor oil on a jute cloth. The polished discs are mounted on bronze frames with exquisite carvings. It takes at least two weeks to make a dozen metal mirrors and the smallest of them (one-and-a-half inch) costs Rs.1,200

The legend

The origin of Aranmula Kannadi is closely linked with Sree Parthasarathjy Temple at Aranmula. Legend has it that the local king brought eight bronze-smith families to Aranmula in connection with the renovation of the temple centuries ago.

The artisans settled at Aranmula even after completion of the renovation work. Their descendants became lazy and a public nuisance, inviting the ire of the king who ordered their eviction.

The desperate artisans sought refuge in the presiding deity. The artisan families had a divine vision that presented the composition of a reflective piece that gives distortion-free images.

The artisans jointly molded a magnificent crown and presented it to the king. A pleased king not only pardoned them but also honored them with land and jewels.

Since then, the artisans took up metal mirror-making their profession, presenting a masterpiece in metallurgy to the world.

magic moments: Aaranmula Kannadi

There are so many stories and myths about related to the origin of Aranmula Kannadi. One of such stories are related to the Hindu Goddess Parvathi.

Aranmula Kannadi is described as the mirror of goddess Parvathi which brings prosperity to those who keep it welcomes you in the drawing room of the elites.

If anybody knows any such well known myths and stories about Aranmula Kannadi, Please put your comments below this post.

Aranmula Kannadi needs to take utmost care while cleaning. the ignorance in its cleaning may damage the mirror. so here is a how to clean aranmula kannadi described.

How to Clean the Mirror Surface Of Aranmula Kannadi

If some one by mistake touches the mirror, their finger prints can be seen on the surface. this can be cleaned off, only if you rub it with cotton /velvet cloth smoothly on the surface of the mirror within 5 minutes in vertical direction and if it is not properly cleaned, then sprinkle a bit Brass cleaner available in the market like “Dhara Cleaner ” on velvet cloth or mirror cleaning cloth ,Fold the Cloth to 3 layers, Cleaning Drops should be upper layer and Clean with Bottom layer on aranmul kannadi and hold it in a slanting position allowing the dust and other particles rubbed off from the reflective surfacefont

How to clean the frame of Aranmula Kannadi

Take a piece of smooth cotton cloth, fold it twice and put drops of brasso on the cloth and rub it with the other part of the cloth. If any change is seen on the frame by rubbing with brasso ,then clean it with a piece of smooth cotton cloth.

1) Extra ordinary traditional hand made metal mirror, is Famous for bringing prosperity, luck and wealth in to life

2) Aranmula Mirror / Aranmula Kannadi is famous for its secretive construction method and uniqueness in the make which get Patent protected with a Geographical Indication tag

3) It is the only metal mirror available, Unlike Ordinary Glass mirror , Image from Aranmula Mirror / Aranmula Kannadi is reflected from upper surface of reflecting material , where in Glass mirror image reflected from bottom layer where mercury is pasted . So real image is only captured in the Aranmula Mirror / Aranmula Kannadi.

4) Aranmula Mirror / Aranmula Kannadi is one among 8 auspicious items included famous astamagalaya set ,which usually used for very auspicious function like marriage

5) Aranmula Mirror / Aranmula Kannadi is impossible to make a duplicated Item, because of its lesser Price, and its make details only known to few people in one family belong to Aranmula and it is kept as a family secret

6) Mysteries in its creation, unequalled in its beauty, the Aranmula Mirror / Aranmula Kannadi is a unique object.

7) Exclusive to Aranmula this mirror is made of metal, not glass! There in lies its uniqueness and its creation a closely guarded secret. Known to only four families, has been handed down from father to son for generations. Therein lies its mystery

8) Aranmula is a little village in the district of Pathanamthitta, which is well known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Sree Krishna as Parthasarathy,the colorful snake boat Regatta and the Aranmula Mirror / Aranmula Kannadi.

9)The British Museum in London has a 45 centimeter tall Aranmula metal mirror in its collection

Couurtesy: aranmulamirror.com

Aranmula kannadi is always has the beauty and elegance of tradition and ethnicity. see some of the photos taken by many people.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rajeshn/537285170/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/anashwaran/232595875/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chippuabraham/74089205/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22078948@N00/1626339030/

Aranmula kannadi is special type of mirror produced at Aranmula, a village in the state of Kerala in India. These unique metal mirrors are the result of Kerala’s rich cultural and metallurgical traditions. The British Museum in London has a 45 centimeter tall Aranmula metal mirror in its collection. The origins of the Aranmula metal mirrors are linked with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple