Why do we Ring “Bell” in Temple?

Written by:  Tvishaa Binani, age 11

In Hinduism, the bell or ghanta is considered an essential part of the worship of God. As part of sanskriti, whenever we enter a temple, we ring a bell. But why is this? 

Why bells are rung in the temple:

• It diverts your attention toward God, making you more receptive, alert, and confident as well.
• They produce the OM sound, a sacred sound and sign of positivity, and facilitate in evading evil spirits.
• A bell rings for seven seconds, equal to the amount of Chakras, each of the centers of spiritual power in the human body, in our body. The vibrations from the sound produced from the bell can eliminate imbalances in the Chakras. The ringing of the bell can remove the presence of any evil or negative energy. The bells in temples and our home altars contain a mixture of different metals. Silver, gold, brass, iron, and copper are used. These 5 metals correspond to the Pancha Mahabhuta, which includes fire, water, sky, air, and Earth. Other metals such as nickel, zinc, cadmium, chromium, manganese, and lead are also used in the manufacturing of bells. The ratio in which producers take the metals improves the sound quality of the bells. These bells are made with great care!
• Bell vibrations can travel some distance, even kilometers, killing viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms, purifying the environment. It also can cleanse our thoughts, calm, and soothe our mind.

Each part of our sanskriti has its own special reason, and the auspiciousness of ringing a ghanta/ghanti in a temple does too!

Glossary

Chakra - (in Indian thought) each of the centers of spiritual power in the human body, usually considered to be seven in number.