Aranmula Kannadi: The World's Most Perfect Mirror

The Aranmula Kannadi

After the war of Mahabharatha, Arjuna had built a temple for Lord Krishna along the river Pampa, Kerala. The idol of this temple was brought on a raft made of six  bamboos (in Malyalam, aaru-mula). And so, it acquired the name Aranmula Parthsarthy temple.

It is believed that many centuries later, the thantri of the temple observed a crack in the mukut of the pratishtha. The craftsmen of the village began working immediately to create a new crown. They started experimenting with the available materials and eventually came up with a compostion that shone brighter than the original silver of the idol. This newfound material also had reflective properties. It was placed on the fresh crown, making it shine radiantly. This new pratishtha was named Kannadi Bhimbam, the mirror idol.

These artisans, called acharis, continued using this special composition for various different handcrafted items. The vaal kannadi (hand-held mirror) was most famous within Kerala's Royalty.

The Aranmula Kannadi is a device of exceptional innovation and beauty. Its salient technology and aesthetic makes it one of history's most wonderous innovations. The reflective property of this instrument is far superior to that of any modern glass optical device. This scientific marvel, titled "The World's Most Perfect Mirror" is guaranteed to enchant the beholder with its charm.

An alloy of copper and tin

The Aranmula Kannadi is an alloy of two metals, copper and tin. A series of traditionally perfected procedures transforms this composition into a shining refelctive surface. This technique ensures that the Aranmula is a front-reflecting mirror. Meaning, the reflection occurs directly from the singular, polished metal surface. Therefore, forming a single perfect image.

In common glass mirrors, multiple images are formed and there is a superimposition of the pale primary image on the clearer secondary image. This causes a distortion in the complete reflection that we see. The phenomenon of refraction (i.e. the change in direction of incoming light rays) also causes disparities in the length and depth of the image formed. Such unevenness is avoided in the Aranmula mirror.The centuries old process has been kept a tight-lipped secret among eight families in the village of Aranmula. Researchers claim it to be an eco-friendly, green procedure. The metal compostion is moulded in a soil-furnace. Following this, a mixture of finely-powdered, burnt clay is soaked in castor oil and wrapped in jute to polish the metal surface. Since the metal is harder than steel, it can withstand the extensive polishing carried out by the craftsmen.

PM Modi's gift to David Cameron

The Aranmula Kannadi is a symbol of good-fortune and is thought to bring home prosperity. Today, it is used to welcome the bridal couple into their wedding venue. It is also one of the ashtamangalyam (eight auspicious items) used in various important rituals.

The biggest Aranmula Kannadi known to exist is about 45 cm tall and can be found at the British Museum in London. In 2015, when Prime Minister Narendra Modiji visited the United Kingdom, he gifted an Aranmula mirror to Prime Minister David Cameron.

These mirrors are sold specifically in the village of Aranmula in Kerala. You can also purchase the authentic mirrors directly from the exclusive Aranmula Kannadi Online Store.