Know the Significance of Ringing Bell in a Pooja Ritual

Bell, popularly known as a 'Ghanti' in Sanskrit, is Hindu Puja. Today, in Vastu Shastra, we will discuss the 'Ghanti.' In the 'Yogini Tantra,' it is said that 'Bhallak' in Shiva temple, 'Shankh' in Surya temple, and flute and Madhuri in Durga temple should not be played. According to Jai Singh Kalp Drum, it is always auspicious to ring the bell (Ghanti) at the time of worshipping.

It is considered to be all-pervasive. Apart from India, the Chinese also apply the concept of ringing a temple hanging bell. Today, there are various wind chimes available in the market, not only in the churches but also in a tradition of ringing the bell.

The sound of the 'Ghanti' removes the negative energy and collects the positivity, which it should be worshiped with flowers. Also, one should chant this mantra, while using the bell: ॐ भूर्भुव: स्व: गरुड़ाय नम: ।

Pooja hanging bell, popularly known as Ghanta or ghanti in Sanskrit, is a vital part of Hindu pujas. Before worshipping the deities in temples and before beginning a puja ritual at home, we often ring the bell as a sign to invoke the Gods and Goddesses. Ringing the bell produces the divine sound ‘OM,’ which produces positive frequencies and vibrations around the place. Bell plays an integral part in most puja ceremonies and is rung while bathing the idols of the deities, before commencing a puja, during aarti (chanting mantras and verses from holy scriptures while waving the diya(oil lamps)) and while making religious offerings to the deities.

The hanging bells for pooja room is said to be the spiritual seat of Gods and Goddesses. It is believed to be the manifestation of all Gods and musical instruments. Hence it should be played. A wide range of magnificent bells varies in design and shape, like the Ganesh hanging and Garud. Nandi bell. Clamp bells (used during bhajans or jagrata), Tibetan Om bell, etc. are popular.

The body of the bell illustrates infinity meaning Ananta in Sanskrit, while the tongue of the ghanti represents Goddess Saraswati. The bell's handle represents Hanuman, Garuda, Nandi, or Chakra and is considered to be the essential life energy known as Prana Shakti.

The significance of ringing the bell is given in the verse of ancient scriptures of Aagma Shashtra that states;

• “Aagamaarthamtu devaanaam
• gamanaarthamtu rakshasaam
• Kurve ghantaaravam tatra
• devataahvaahna lakshanam”
The translation of the above verses is that “I ring this bell indicating the invocation of Gods and Goddesses, So that virtuous and noble forces enter (my house and heart); and the evil forces that lay within me depart.”

As per Skandpuran, the sins committed by a man in this life and all past lives can be dissolved by the ringing of temple bells. Let us now understand how ringing a bell can aid in spiritual growth and befit a person scientifically.