​Ringing the temple bell before entering; history and significance​

आगमार्थं तु देवानां, गमनार्थं तु रक्षसाम् । घण्टारवं करोम्यादौ, देवताह्वान लाञ्छनम् ॥
Meaning “I ring this bell to invite the deities and to ward off the demons. I make the sound of the bell in the beginning as a mark of invitation to the deities.” This is a powerful Sanskrit Shloka that explains how important it is to ring the bell before entering the temple in the Hindu religion. Bells are considered auspicious in Hindu culture. It is deeply embedded in mythology and religious sentiments. It is believed that by ringing bells in a temple, the Gods and Goddesses who reside in their humble abode wake up and wishes of all their devotees are fulfilled soon. Scroll down to explore the intricacies of why we ring the temple bell before entering.

According to the legend, the ringing of the temple bell was associated with the removal of human sins from a hundred lives. The universe was created with one sound, “OM,” and the purpose of having bells outside the temple was to produce the same sound. This sound is considered sacred and symbolizes the holy noise created during creation.

It is believed that the bell is the spiritual seat of the holy deities. The body of the bell is symbolic of infinity, which is God himself. The tongue of the bell signifies the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. The handle of the bell is the vital force that keeps every living being alive on Earth. The bell is ideally made with 5 dhaatus or elements, namely copper, silver, gold, zinc and iron, which represent the five universal elements called Pancha Mahabhoota - earth, air, sky, water and ether.

The sound of the bell is supposed to drive away all evil and negative forces.
It activates various higher Chakras of the body
It helps overcome the negative thoughts in our brain and also energizes the human body
It helps in bringing the focus inwards, towards one’s soul

Garuda bells: Also known as Garuda Ghanti, it is a sacred bell typically made of brass or bronze, and it carries deep symbolic meaning and is of utmost spiritual importance. This sacred bell is especially used in the worship of Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, and Lord Vishnu.
Handbells: Handbells are believed to invoke the divine. Most of us have seen priests in temples ringing the handbell while performing Aarti. It is considered very auspicious