The metal mirrors of Aranmula and their secret composition
Around 100 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, stands the temple town of Aranmula. The town, which lies near the Pampa River, is a popular destination for Vaishnav pilgrims and is also known for its various attractions, including the sacred river Pampa and the yearly snake boat race held during the Onam festival. But did you know that the town is also famous for something very unique? We are talking about its metal mirrors. Unlike your typical mirror, which comprises glass with a silver nitrate coating, this one is built entirely of metals. While a typical mirror reflects pictures from its coated layer, an Aranmula mirror does so straight from its metal surface.
The making of the mirror
The metal mirror, known as Aranmula Kannadi, is made with a reflective front surface that is composed of a complex alloy of copper and tin. The exact composition is not yet known. It’s not an easy process though. Creating a beautiful mirror piece requires a lot of practice, concentration and patience. First, a mould is made based on the desired shape of the mirror. Then, molten metal is poured into the mould. The artisans engage in long, strenuous polishing sessions to create the ideal alloy combination and the necessary reflecting surface.
The legend behind the lucky mirror!
The Aranmula mirror is considered a symbol of good luck and fortune. It is one of the ‘astamangalya,’ or eight auspicious things, displayed during religious and secular events such as weddings and New Year celebrations! Would you like to know how this craft was discovered?
Around five generations ago, eight Indian craftsmen from Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, were invited to help construct the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. The craftsmen were required to create a bronze crown for the temple’s presiding deity, Lord Parthasarathy. While working, they stumbled onto a unique reflective feature of one alloy made of copper and tin. The artisans then experimented with various compositions, producing metal mirrors known as ‘Aranmula Kannadi’ or ‘Aranmula Mirror’.
A registered geographical indication
A Geographical Indication or GI is a label/sign given to goods with a particular geographic origin and characteristics derived from that origin. In 2005, the Aranmula Kannadi received a GI tag. What function does it serve? A GI tag prevents a third party from using it. And it was the Viswabrahmana Aranmula Metal Mirror Nirman Association that oversaw the process of obtaining a GI tag for the mirror. It is also working to galvanise the artisans to prevent this ancient craft's extinction owing to the competitive prices of similar glazed mirrors.