Aranmula, an ancient village in the district of Pathanamthitta on the banks of the famous Pamba River, has a special history of Kerala’s traditional arts. For centuries Indians have been experts in Metallurgy; Delhi’s ancient Mayuran Iron Pillar, and forged Damascus steel are part of an artisanal culture in South India that stretches back more than 2000 years. The Aranmula Kannadi (metal mirror) technology is part of this history.

The orgins of the Aranmula Kannadi are linked to the Aranmula Parathasarathy Temple. According to the legends, some  600 years ago eight families of experts in Temple arts and crafts were brought to the Aranmula from Thirunelveli, Tamil Nadu for the new temple design works. While working on the metal crown of the temple they accidentally stumbled upon a unique refelective property of one alloy comprising copper and tin. Craftmen later tried different compositions which eventually led to the current Aranmula metal mirror, the “recipe” for which is still kept as guarded family secrets.

The significance of the Aranmula metal mirror is the complete clarity of the reflection as it falls directly on the top surface of the metal, unlike glass mirrors where the image falls on the mercury coated surface inside the glass.

As per local belief, the handmade Aranmula metal mirror is considered an auspicious object kept in a household for bringing prosperity, luck and wealth. Traditionally in Kerala, the Aranmula Kannadi is displayed among divine items in important family functions such as marriages.