KERALAS TRADITIONAL MIRROR OF ARANMULA
The famous Aranmula Kannadi (Aranmula metal mirror) is an auspicious traditional handcrafted mirror made by bell metal. This unique art is born in Aranmula, Kerala, located on the bank of holy river pampa which is the place of God Parthasarathy. Thus Aranmula Mirror is linked with Aranmula Parthsaradhy temple. In purana this mirror is described as the Mirror of Goddess Parvathy. The speciality of Aranmula Kannadi is its unique making procedure and metallurgy which is now traditionally known to a single family in Aranmula. This mirror is made out of the metal combination. Local paddy fields mud is also used. It may take many months to complete an Aranmula Mirror. The finished mirrors need to be polished for one or two days to achieve their highly reflective surface. This polished face of the metal mirror not only resembles glass but also reflects the images very clearly.
All these making procedures are done by the traditional artisans who retain today in Aranmula only. The secret art of obtaining a metal to mirror is known only to these artisans. As they have GI Patent for this Aranmula mirror, nobody can produce the same anywhere in the world. The difference with normal glass mirror is that Aranmula Kannadi is not created from glass but made from metal alloy and it is a front surface reflection mirror. Aranmula Kannadi, as one of the eight auspicious objects used in Ashtamangalyam. During Vishu (harvest festival), Ashtamangalyam is used to set "Vishukkani with this mirror. The belief is that keeping an Aranmula Kannadi in one’s home, shop, office will bring them all prosperity, good luck, wealth and happiness in their life.
