Why do Hindu Temples have bells?
Hindu temples generally have bells in front of the Grabhagriha. It is a ritual to ring the bell while entering the sanctum, thereafter proceeding with the prayers. But ever wondered, why do Hindu temples have bells? Is it mandatory to have bells or it is just about ornamenting the temples?
Bells are heard ringing in morning as well as in evening in Hindu temples. The auspicious sound of the bells energizes the atmosphere of the temple and the area in its proximity.
There’s various religious beliefs as also scientific reason as to why do Hindu temples have bells.
- The scientific significance behind ringing bells in temples lays in the belief that God manifest in the sanctum where bells are rung. The bells produce an auspicious sound of ‘Om’.The temple where the ringing bell is heard profoundly is referred as ‘Jagrat Dev’.
- It’s a way of inviting deities to accept devotees’ prayers.
- It’s believed to drive away the evil forces.
- Temple bells are not made of an ordinary metal. They are prepared with an alloy including copper, cadmium, lead, nickel, zinc, manganese and chromium. The distinctive sound created by the bells is responsible for the unity of left and right brain.
- The lasting sound produced by bell echoes for a minimum of seven seconds. This magnetic sound awakens the Chakras, the seven healing centres of the body.
- The design of the bell also has a symbolic meaning. The clapper of the bell symbolizesSaraswati and the curved body of the bell symbolizes Ananta. The handle symbolizes vital power which is associated with Hanuman.
- Hindu temples follow a ritual of ringing bell before proceeding for Aarti. The enchanting sound of the bell is believed to drown evils and negative energies.The ringing bell engages inner senses and makes the mind more receptive and focussed on deities.
- As claimed by Skanda Purana, humans can wash off their sins of a hundred lives by ringing bells in temples. Few temples also have a custom of tying bells while worshipping and devotees open the ties once God fulfills their wishes.
The vibration of the ringing bells is carried away in the atmosphere with the flow of wind which kills insects and unwanted particles and cleans the air.
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