Aranmula, a temple town in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, is renowned for its boat race and an extraordinary handcrafted artifact—the Aranmula Kannadi (Aranmula Mirror). Unlike conventional glass mirrors, this metal mirror, crafted from a secret alloy of copper and tin, offers a flawless reflection without distortion.
The origins of the Aranmula Kannadi trace back over 400 years, linked to artisans invited by the Pandalam royal family to work on the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. While crafting jewelry, utensils, and bells, the artisans accidentally discovered the reflective properties of a special copper-tin alloy. Recognizing its potential, they began making mirrors using this alloy, giving rise to a unique tradition. The process is highly labor-intensive, requiring several days of meticulous polishing with a herbal oil blend made from Maroti seeds (Hydnocarpus pentantrus) and rice bran.
Today, only a few Vishwakarma families hold the secret formula. Considered a symbol of prosperity, it is part of Kerala’s Ashtamangalya set – a collection of eight auspicious items traditionally used in Kerala during ceremonies such as weddings and religious rituals. The mirror is also showcased in the British Museum and holds the distinction of being Kerala’s first Geographical Indication (GI) tagged product.
