ARANMULA METAL MIRROR FROM KERALA, INDIA
The famous Aranmula Kannadi or Aranmula Metal Mirror is a technological marvel in its own right which is made in the village of Aranmula in the state of Kerala in South India.
The manufacture of the Aranmula Kannadi has been a zealously guarded secret of all but a handful of surviving artisans. The
Being a front surface reflection mirror, the Aranmula Kannadi does not have the secondary reflections and aberrations typical of back surface mirrors.
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The origins of the Aranmula metal mirrors are linked with the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple. Legend has it that eight families of experts in temple arts and crafts were brought by the royal chieftain of the region to work in the Parthasarathy temple centuries ago. The artisans are said to have stumbled on this technique while they were making a crown for their deity. The chieftain was so delighted with the mirror that he includes it among the eight auspicious items used in worship in the temple and the deity has ever since been known as the idol of the mirror.
Very soon, this extra ordinary metal mirror came to be as an extremely auspicious item to possess. It was also included in the ashtamangalyam, the set of eight ausoicious articles that make up a bride’s wedding trousseau.
Taking care of your Aranmula Kannadi
Keep the mirror in a dust free environment and avoid direct contact with the metal surface to keep it scratch and damage free. In case it is touched and fingerprints appear, rub them off immediately using a piece of smooth cotton cloth. If the prints remain, sprinkle a little of the special powder provided and wipe your mirror clean using a smooth cotton cloth. You can also use a drop of liquid brass polish (like Brasso) on one side of the cloth and rub the mirror using the other side. Always rub or wipe the mirror using vertical strokes.
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