The enigma of Aranmula Kannadi

A rather interesting legend surrounds the origins of Aranmula Kannadi, which begins 400 years ago. At the time, the chief priest of the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, who was a great patron of arts and crafts brought a few families of Kannans or bronze casters from Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. Their task was simple – to make bell metal vessels for the temple. However, the Kannans created an alloy that resembled silver, but when polished, it shone and reflected the world around just like a mirror. This was seen as a magic of the divine. This wondrous alloy was offered to the temple deity and was soon included among the Ashtamangalyam – the eight auspicious articles used in religious ceremonies. The mirror offered to the deity is till date refered to as Kannadi Bimbam (idol of mirror). From then on the Aranmula Kannadi started gaining fame across the region along with deep religious significance. The technique of casting these metal mirrors has remained a closely guarded secret, known to only few male members of the Kannans community, passed down through generations as knowledge from fathers to their sons.

Crafting metal mirrors

Unlike normal mirrors, Aranmula Kannadi are made using a secret alloy created through an amalgamation of an array of elements such as Copper, Tin, Lead, Zinc, Phosphorous, Iron, Silicon, Aluminium, Nickel, Bismuth, and Antimony. The shape of the mirror takes form through casting metal utilizing the lost wax technique. A clay mould is prepared by artisans, who sculpt ornate designs into wax and then cover it with clay. The liquid form of metal alloy is poured in this mould; the heat of the liquid melts the wax and the metal takes its place instead. The alloy is heated for about 8 hours and allowed to cool for 2-3 days.

How exactly the metal is transformed into mirror? This is a secret of the Kannans. As per local myths a special herbal powder is added to the molten metal which makes it reflective in nature. What is known for sure is that creating an Aranmula Kannadi is a laborious process with each mirror being handcrafted, polished, and inscribed over a span of 6 months. The mirrors are a treat to the eyes; their frames decorated with meticulous chisels featuring traditional designs.