Most of us go to a temple when everything in our life isn’t working out as we want it to, at least with me, that’s the case most of times.But do you know that it is not just the power of being in the presence of divinity that tends calm us down or the fact that there is an entity that can make things better for us when things are no longer in our control, it’s also the power that the temple bell has on us.
Different religions have different beliefs with regard to the ringing of the bell. In Hinduism, the ringing of the bell is seen as the start of the prayer, and it is a way of inviting the divine power to arrive in the environment and to purify it with their presence.
On the other hand, in Buddhism, the bell is rung before and after the meditation. In the Hindu religion, there are similar things in some places, like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, where the bells are rung before starting the aarti and even during the aarti. While at the Mahabodhi Temple, which is an important place of divinity for the Buddhists, the bells are rung to signal the meditators about the start of the meditation.
While there isn’t a specific number as to how many temples are in India, until 2019, there were more than 500,000 temples scattered across the country. Bells are one of the most important parts of these temples; they are known as Ghanta in Sanskrit. Many bells are hung on the domes of the temple. There are different types of bells mentioned in the Sanskrit Literature which are Kansyaghanta, Thala, Ghatika, Jayaghantika, Kshudraghanta and Krama. In Hinduism, the bells are generally hung in front of the Garbhagriha, which is the sanctum sanctorum.
The temple bells are made up of a mix of different metals, lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium and manganese. The quantity in which each of the metals is mixed is what makes the temple bell so special and different. According to the Agama Sastra, ringing a bell helps in getting rid of the evil spirits,which are Yaksha,Pishasha,Rakshasa and Brahmarakshasa.It is believed that the melodious sound of the Ghanta generates the sound of the world, which is seen as the universal mantra used to worship the Lord. The bell is seen as an antidote to the mind,the sound of the bell vibrates the aura of humans. It is also that the sound generated from the bell is pleasant to God which is why the Ghanta is such an essential part of Hindu pujas.The ring of the bell clears the mind and helps with focusing on the devotion as we enter the inner sanctorum.Another significance of ringing the bell is that it helps shut down any kind of unwanted noises and comments which may disturb or distract the worshippers for from devotional passion, concentration and peace.
There are not just religious reasons but also scientific reasons that have been discovered regarding the significance of ringing a temple bell. When a bell is ringing, the vibrations,vibrance and the frequencies that are produced have a direct impact on our physical and mental state. Our ears detect the sound of the bell and the vibrations from the bell, which is directly sent to the brain, which in turn helps us to focus on a specific work. The bell also produces rich, harmonic sounds that are composed of several frequencies, which range from low to mid in the frequency spectrum. The waves produced by the bell align with certain brain frequencies, which are the alpha and theta waves. The theta waves are connected to meditation and mental clarity, while alpha waves are connected to calmness and relaxation points. The vibrations that enter the brain provide us with a calming experience, which increases our concentration level. The temple bell echoes for a minimum of seven seconds, which connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain. The seven-second vibration activates the seven chakras of the body. Studies show that people who listen to harmonious sounds, like the ringing of the bells, have lower stress levels. The lower level of cortisol helps in improving emotional regulation and concentration levels. The parasympathetic system is activated, which releases dopamine and serotonin, helping the listener feel comfortable and calm. So, the next time you step into a temple, remember to pause after ringing the bell, stand beneath it and let the ringing echoes wash over you like a cleansing wave. In that moment, the vibrations will become one with your being, shutting down the noise of daily worries and awakening a quiet inner harmony. This simple ritual, rooted in ancient wisdom, invites mindful presence amid the sacred hush of the chanting priests and bowed pilgrims, reminding us that true peace often lingers in the lingering sound of intention. Carry this vibrance forward with you and let it echo throughout your life, turning ordinary chaos into moments of profound stillness and grace.
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