Aranmula is a heritage village blessed with the scenic beauty of Kerala. It is situated on the banks of river Pampa in Pathanamthitta district. This place has been declared by UNESCO as a heritage village because it is home to the wonderful Aranmula Kannadi (metal mirror) and the world famous snake boat race.
Aranmula wonder metal mirror is described as the mirror of Goddess Parvathi. Legend has it that eight families who were experts in temple art and craft were invited by the local Royal Chief of Aranmula from Nakarkovil of Tamil Nadu to construct a Parthasarathy temple centuries ago. While working with bronze to present a crown for royal Chief of Aranmula, the artisans discovered the reflective surface of the crown which was made of copper-tin alloy. Ever since, this peculiar characteristic of alloy is used to make Aranmula Kannadi. The amount of metal combination used is still a secret and known only to a few craftsmen of this traditional family. This secret is being handed down from generation to generation of this family.
The uniqueness of mirror lies in the fact that it is not made of glass. The exact metals used in the alloy are mixed with copper and tin before being polished for several days in a row to achieve their reflective surface. In a normal mirror, the image is formed from the inner surface. However, in Aranmula Kannadi, light can get reflected from the outer surface (i.e., from polished metal surface) which gives a perfect image. The mirror is usually kept in room temperature away from direct heat and dust.
Mysterious in its beauty, the metal mirror is believed to bring prosperity to your home. Aranmula Kannadi is a wonder to the world because of its specialty. A 45 cm tall Aranmula Kannadi is preserved in British Museum located at London, UK. Geological indication has taken the potency of Aranmula Kannadi.
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