The fascinating metal mirrors of Aranmula

Aranmula is a sleepy little village in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, located about 130km from Trivandrum, the state capital. Perched on the palm fringed banks of the Pampa River, Aranmula is famous for its annual regatta and for the exquisite mirrors that artisans from there produce. Aranmula mirrors have always fascinated me. They are unique, and not found anywhere else in the world. Unlike usual mirrors which are made of glass, Aranmula mirrors are made of a special metal alloy.

Aranmula mirror or kannadi in Malayalam, reflects off its front surface eliminating secondary reflections and aberrations typical of mirrors that reflect off the back surface. Produced by a single extended family settled in Aranmula, the exact composition of the metals used in the alloy is still a closely held family secret and a metallurgical marvel.

According to legend eight families of expert artisans who specialized in temple arts and crafts were brought centuries ago to Aranmula from Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu to work on the Parthasarathy Temple. While working with bronze to make a crown for the temple deity they discovered the unique reflective property of one particular copper-tin alloy. The composition of the alloy is said to have been revealed subsequently to Parvathi Amma, a widow of the community, through a dream. According to Hindu scriptures, the mirror of Goddess Parvathi is a sacred object.

The alloy is a special mixture of copper and tin and it is polished for several days in a row to achieve a reflective surface. Pure copper and tin are added in specific proportions and sealed with clay. It is then placed in an open pit furnace and heated to about 400°C. The molten metal is then poured onto a flat surface and the polishing process starts.

These legendary metal mirrors symbolize Kerala’s rich cultural and metallurgical heritage. They are said to bring wealth and prosperity, and hence are considered auspicious. They are used in several religious rituals in the state. They come in various shapes and sizes.

Those of you who cant wait to see this fascinating mirrors need not go far…as the British Museum in London has a 45 centimeter tall Aaranmula metal mirror in its collection. Of course, visiting the actual sites where the mirrors are made in Aranmula is an altogether different experience…so if you want to include a visit to Aranmula or order one of these mirrors as a memento to carry back home when you are on holiday in Kerala call one of Kerala Travel Centre’s experts who will be more than ready to help.

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