1/4/2024 0 Comments Metal hand mirror![]() This can cause aberration or distortion of the image, and this distortion can vary depending on the quality of the reflective coating. ![]() In plane mirrors, light travels through the glass and back, so it gets refracted and changes direction. The uniqueness of the Aranmula kannadi is that it is front reflecting, unlike plane glass mirrors where reflection takes place on the back surface of the glass, where the reflective coating is applied. The King decreed that the mirror be part of the ashtamangalyam set, a brass plate featuring eight auspicious items that is used in religious rites. The artisans then created a vaal kannadi (hand-held mirror) using a similar composition, which was popular with Kerala’s royalty and aristocracy. Mirrors mounted with gluing wax on a raised circular surface of a wooden plank. The crown was called the kannadi bhimbom (mirror image). It shone bright, and when polished, showed reflective properties like a mirror. The men sold them to buy the raw material and a crown was made. The next day, the women of the community surrendered their gold ornaments. The head craftsman’s wife prayed and had a dream, in which the deity appeared and gave her the secret proportion for creating an alloy that would shine like a mirror. The craftsmen were worried, as they didn’t have the requisite raw material. The King ordered the craftsmen to make a new crown in three days. People are typically intrigued that a mirror made of alloy has reflective properties like a plane glass mirror, and also surprised that the alloy is brittle.Īs historical information related to the origins of the mirror are sketchy and unreliable, the legends have become the story told about these unique artifacts.Īccording to the main legend, centuries ago, the high priest of the temple noticed a crack on the crown of the deity. For this reason, it is given as a gift during weddings and housewarming ceremonies. It is believed that keeping an Aranmula kannadi in the house brings prosperity and luck to the owner. A crucible involved in the making of the mirror. But around 500 years ago, they handcrafted a special mirror known as the Aranmula kannadi, which surpassed the idols as their most famous product. Originally, these artisans were known for creating exquisite bronze idols of deities. It is one of the oldest temples in South India, dedicated to Lord Krishna, an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. ![]() In Aranmula, Kerala, a heritage village on the banks of the Pamba river, a group of skilled, metal-casting artisans spend their days in hot and dusty workshops, crafting metal mirrors, a tradition that goes back five centuries.įor centuries, the craftsmen, who belong to the Vishwakarma community, have been working in the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple.
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