Approximately five generations ago, a few Indian artisans came to Aranmula from Sankaran Koil near Tirunelveli. They came at the behest of the King of Pandalam, who asked them to participate in building the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. These artisans, aside from carrying out their assigned tasks, made ornaments (e.g. bangles and rings), cooking vessels and bells by casting copper based alloys. In working with the bronzes, the artisans discovered the reflective property of one particular copper-tin alloy. This characteristic of the polished metal has been exploited for making those bronze mirrors known as “Aranmula Kannadi”, meaning Aranmula Mirror.
Aranmula Kannadi (Aranmula Mirror) is a precious inherited gift. The mystery of its production is a family gift handed over through generations. It is an exclusive product of Aranmula, near Chengannur, a village in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala State, India. This artistic creation is to adorn the grandeur of the houses. This handicraft is as beautiful and attractive as the glittering gold purified. In Puranas it has been described as the mirror of Goddess Parvathi. It is luxurious thing used to decorate and beautify the celebrations and ceremonies. It is famous for its secretive construction method and uniqueness in the make which get Patent protected with a Geographical Indication tag.
The mirror making process is very special and traditional. It may take many months to complete and Aranmula metal mirror. Many people believe that owning an Aranmula Metal Mirror brings Good Luck to their lives.
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