The World's Biggest Handmade Bronze Uruli | Alackal Bell Metals, Mannar

The World's Biggest Uruli – A Bronze Masterpiece by Alackal Bell Metals, Mannar

Introduction:

Celebrating an Icon of Kerala’s Heritage In the culturally rich southern state of Kerala, India, traditions are not merely preserved—they are celebrated with elegance, skill, and passion. At the heart of this living heritage lies the ancient town of Mannar, also known as the “Bell Metal Town of Kerala.” This humble settlement in the Alappuzha district has earned national and global recognition for its unmatched contribution to traditional metal craft. Among the numerous families and artisans contributing to this tradition, one name stands tall—Alackal Bell Metals, a legacy brand known for reviving and elevating traditional metalworking in Kerala.

Today, Alackal Bell Metals has yet again captured global attention by creating the world's biggest Uruli, completely handmade in bronze, standing as a timeless symbol of the state's artisanal glory. This bronze Uruli is more than just a metal artifact—it is a statement of cultural pride, artisan mastery, and a celebration of India’s spiritual and culinary traditions.

What is an Uruli?

 Origin, Use, and Evolution The Uruli (also known as Uruly or Urli) is a traditional South Indian cooking vessel with origins dating back over a thousand years. Made traditionally of bronze or bell metal, these wide, shallow pans were used primarily in households and temples for cooking rice, payasam (sweet porridge), curries, and other large-quantity preparations. In Ayurvedic practice, UruLis are used to prepare medicines, thanks to the metal’s medicinal benefits.

Over time, the use of Urulis evolved from strictly functional to decorative, spiritual, and symbolic. Today, Urulis are placed at the entrance of homes, offices, hotels, and temples, often filled with water, flowers, and floating candles as an offering or a symbol of prosperity and welcome.

 Mannar – The Bell Metal Capital of India Mannar, nestled between Mavelikkara and Chengannur in Alappuzha district, is internationally renowned for its metal artisans, particularly those who work with brass, bronze, and bell metals. Home to hundreds of families specializing in traditional metallurgy, Mannar is a living museum of craft heritage.

Notable products from Mannar include:

• Nilavilakku (traditional oil lamps)

• Pooja items (kalasam, thooku vilakku, camphor holders, Panchapathram)

• Cookware (Varpu, Uruli, Achappam moulds)

• Temple items (bells, flag masts, Thazhikakudam)

These products are sought after globally by temples, palaces, resorts, and connoisseurs of traditional Indian artistry.

 Alackal Bell Metals – A Legacy Forged in Fire and Craft Alackal Bell Metals, based in Mannar, is one of the oldest and most respected traditional metalcraft manufacturers in India. With a heritage spanning five generations, Alackal is known for crafting brass and bronze items by hand using time-honored techniques such as sand casting, lost wax modeling, and manual polishing.

Their catalog includes:

• Urulis and Varpus (in sizes ranging from 6 inches to several feet)

• Decorative pooja thalams

• Temple bells

• Customized corporate gift items

One of their most notable achievements before the Uruli project was the creation of the world’s biggest Varpu, weighing around 3,500 kilograms, recognized by the Limca Book of Records.

The Record-Breaking Handmade Bronze Uruli Creating the world’s largest bronze Uruli was not just a business venture—it was a cultural mission. Measuring several feet in diameter and weighing thousands of kilograms, this handcrafted Uruli is a global first in traditional bronze casting.

Key Facts:

• Material: Premium-grade Bronze (Kansa – an alloy of copper and tin)

• Weight: Over 3000 kg

• Diameter: Multiple feet across

• Time Required: Several months of dedicated labor

• Craftsmen Involved: 20+ skilled artisans

• Technique Used: Traditional sand casting & hand chiseling

 Step-by-Step Process of Making the World’s Biggest Handmade Bronze Uruli

1. Conceptualization & Design Planning The journey begins with ideation, measurement, proportion calculation, and blueprint sketching. This includes accounting for structural stability, thermal resistance, and aesthetic balance.

2. Bronze Alloy Preparation High-purity copper and tin are weighed and melted together to form a homogeneous bronze alloy. The exact ratio is vital to achieve the right hardness and luster.

3. Mold Making Using Sand Casting A full-sized model is sculpted in clay/wax, layered with a mix of sand, cow dung, rice husk, and binding materials. The mold is sun-dried and fired in a kiln.

4. Metal Pouring Once the mold is prepared, molten bronze (melted at over 1000°C) is carefully poured. The process is extremely delicate and requires immense expertise to ensure even flow and setting.

5. Cooling Period The Uruli is left to cool for several days. Improper cooling can result in cracks or deformities.

6. Mold Breaking and Extraction The hardened sand mold is broken manually, and the raw Uruli is extracted.

7. Manual Chiseling and Shaping Each part is chiseled by hand to refine edges and remove casting lines. This process can take weeks.

8. Surface Polishing and Carving Artisans use ash, tamarind, and traditional oils to polish the Uruli to a mirror finish. Optional carvings or inscriptions are added.

9. Quality Check and Final Assembly The final Uruli undergoes multiple inspections for metal consistency, finish, and shape.

 Usage of Large-Sized Bronze Urulis The world’s largest Uruli is a versatile symbol of cultural heritage. Here are the top uses:

1. Temple Use
Used to cook large quantities of payasam or prasadam during festivals.

2. Cultural Exhibitions & Heritage Museums
Displayed as a record-holding artifact representing Indian craftsmanship.

3. Resorts & Luxury Hotels
Placed in grand entrances filled with floating flowers and diyas.

4. Film Sets & Photography
Used in period movies or shoots to reflect traditional aesthetics.

5. Weddings & Event Decor
Used as a central decorative element for flower arrangements and lamp lighting ceremonies.

6. Ayurvedic Institutions
For preparation of large-batch herbal oils.

7. Public Parks or City Squares
As an artistic installation symbolizing local identity.

 Why Bronze? Benefits Over Other Metals

• Spiritual Significance: Bronze is believed to purify space and energy.

• Health Benefits: Known to balance all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).

• Aesthetic Longevity: Gains a natural golden sheen with age.

• Durability: Resistant to corrosion and wear.

• Sustainability: Can be recycled and repurposed over centuries.

 The Future of Heritage Craftsmanship Alackal Bell Metals is now working with architects, museums, temples, and cultural institutions to create bespoke bronze installations, continuing to promote Kerala’s crafts globally.

Plans include:

• Global exhibitions

• Collaboration with design schools

• Bronze Uruli souvenir collections

• Architectural heritage restoration projects

 

• World’s biggest bronze Uruli

• Handmade Uruli in Mannar

• Traditional Kerala bronze cookware

• Bronze Uruli manufacturers

• Alackal Bell Metals Mannar

• Record-holding bronze vessel

• Uruli for temple use

• Bronze heritage cookware India

• Kerala Uruli decoration

• Custom-made bronze Uruli

• Limca Book Uruli record

• Bronze crafting process India

• Large bronze Uruli for resorts

Conclusion:

A Living Symbol of Cultural Greatness The world’s largest handcrafted bronze Uruli is not merely a world record—it’s a masterpiece of human creativity, a cultural icon from Kerala, and a shining symbol of Alackal Bell Metals’ unwavering commitment to traditional craftsmanship.

Whether you're a temple trustee, resort architect, spiritual practitioner, or simply someone who values heritage, this Uruli represents a story worth celebrating.

To place a custom order, connect with Alackal Bell Metals, Mannar, and own a piece of living tradition.

Celebrate Heritage. Choose Alackal. Choose Bronze.

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