One of the first things devotees do while visiting the temple is ring the temple bell. These temple bells are usually at the entrance or just before the garbhagriha. According to Hindu beliefs, ringing the bell before entering the temple symbolises a call to the divine, showing the devotee’s surrender and devotion.
This simple ritual holds deep spiritual and scientific importance. Let's understand the meaning and importance of ringing the temple bell in detail.
What Does Ringing The Temple Bell Mean?
According to Hindu tradition, the temple bell, also known in Sanskrit as Ghanta or Ghanti, is more than an object. Its shape itself carries a symbolic meaning.
The arched body of the bell is believed to represent Infinity; the clapper is believed to symbolise Goddess Saraswati, while the handle, often shaped as Garuda or Nandi, signifies the life force or divine strength.
When devotees ring the temple bell, it is believed to awaken their spiritual consciousness, purify the environment and strengthen their connection with the divine. According to the Skanda Purana, the sound of the temple bell is believed to cleanse one’s sins.
According to Hindu tradition, the temple bell, also known in Sanskrit as Ghanta or Ghanti (Image: Pexels)
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Spiritual Significance Behind Ringing the Bells
When devotees ring the temple bell during a pooja, yajna, aarti, or on special occasions, it produces the sound of ‘OM’, which holds immense importance in Hinduism. Since many Vedic mantras and prayers begin with Om, the sound of the bells is considered highly auspicious.
It Awakens The Mind
The sound of the temple bell helps to calm the mind, reduce distractions and improve focus. This allows devotees to concentrate completely on their prayers.
Removes Negativity
According to Hindu beliefs, the vibration produced by the temple bell is said to remove negative energies from the surroundings before the worship begins.
It Activates Chakras
It is believed that the sound of the temple bell resonates for about seven seconds, which symbolically connects with the seven chakras of the body. These vibrations are believed to help balance and harmonise the body’s energy centres.
Union Of The Devotee And Divine
According to Hindu beliefs, ringing the temple bells helps bridge the gap between human consciousness and universal consciousness. It serves as a symbolic invitation to the divine, showing the devotees' readiness to worship with complete devotion.
Scientific Reasons Behind Ringing The Bell
There are also scientific reasons behind ringing the temple bells. They are:
1. Purification Of The space
It is believed that the sound waves produced by temple bells travel over a long distance. Some traditional beliefs suggest that these sound waves can kill viruses, bacteria, and micro-organisms in the surrounding area, thus purifying the environment.
2. Calms The Mind And Brain
The sound of a temple bell is believed to bring harmony in the brain, bringing a sense of clarity and balance. It is also said to have a soothing effect on the nervous system.
Different Types Of Bells
Traditionally, temple bells are made of five metals, including copper, gold, silver, iron and zinc. This alloy is believed to produce a long-lasting vibration that helps to calm the mind and create a balanced sound.
There are three types of temple bells:
1. Hanging Bells: These types of bells are usually found at the entrance and are rung before the darshan.
2. Garuda Bells: These bells are small in size and are generally used with one hand while conducting poojas, aarathis, and yajnas.
3. Handbells: These bells are generally used by the priest while performing rituals and aartis.
When devotees ring the temple bell, it is believed to awaken their spiritual consciousness and purify the environment (Image: Pexels)
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Ringing the temple bell is much more than a religious practice. It is believed to sanctify the atmosphere, remove negativity and invoke auspiciousness for worship. These bells, though they look simple, help devotees strengthen their connection with the divine.