The significance of metallic bells in Hindu temples and their benefits
Hindu temples all over have one architectural thing in common, which is metallic bells. Ghanta is the term used for these bells at places of worship in Hinduism. These bells are rung when one enters or leaves the temples and while performing Arti or rituals offering prayers in the temples. The sound of bells are complemented by conch shells, manjira and other musical instruments while performing the Arti so the noise or unnecessary sounds drown in the background, helping devotees keep their focus on the gods, prayers and their worship.
Besides Hinduism, Christianity too witnesses the placement of these in bell towers and churches. During masses too, bells are used.
History
During ancient times, temples did not have doors unlike today and there was no way to notify the entry or exit of people. Homeless people, birds and animals used to take shelter in temples during the day. So at night to notify them to leave so god could take some rest, bells were rung. Some people used these ringings to recognize certain times of the day back when the concept of clocks, watches was alien and it marked dinner time in the evenings.
Bells in Hinduism
The general belief is such that bells are used to invoke the gods and goddesses. By doing so, the devotees will be showered with blessings from the almighty. Bells are known to produce the cosmic sound of Om which is divine and auspicious. Bells are placed in the sanctum of the temples, at the entrance near doors or right in front of the Idols. It initially is believed to inform the divine gods of their followers’ entry in their humble abode. It draws the attention of the supreme forces and invites them to listen to our concerns and grant us our wishes. Temple bells dissipate negative or evil energies from the temple and produce positive vibrations. The stern, loud ring makes one concentrate on praying even if their mind is wandering around, such is the lasting and piercing sound of it. The frequencies radiated by this keep the surroundings of the temple healthy and spiritually clean.
According to Yoga, the sound of a ringing bell lasts for a span of minimum seven seconds. During this time till the echo is in the air, the vibrations touch upon all the seven chakras or healing energy focal points of the body, activating and energising them. This naturally leads to relaxation of the body and mind.
These religious bells are created with five to seven particular metals. Each of these metals are dominated by Grahas or plantes. The elements include, Gold (Sun or Surya), Silver (Moon or Chandra), lead (Saturn or Shani), Tin (Jupiter or Guru), iron (Mars or Mangal), copper (Venus or Shukra) and Mercury (Mercury or Budh).
A shlok or mantra in mentioned in Agama Shastra, tantric literature in Hinduism, pertaining to the ringing of bells :
Aagamaarthamtu devaanaam
gamanaarthamtu rakshasaam
Kurve ghantaaravam tatra
devataahvaahna lakshanam
It translates to :
“I ring this bell indicating the invocation of divinity, so that virtuous and noble forces enter (my home and heart); and the demonic and evil forces from within and without, depart.”
Scientific approach
Some of the specific distinctive metals with which the bells are made are cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium and manganese. These metals are to be used or mixed in alloys in a standard ratio. By doing so, they produce eccentric sounds which immediately alert the brain. These unique sounds that a religious bell emits, strikes a balance between the right and the left brain, evoking a peaceful state throughout the body. It wakes the body with a jolt and makes the brain sensitive to any stimuli, enabling devotees to channelize their focus towards meditative praying.
