Have you ever asked yourself why there are bells in a temple? What is their significance? Is it a religious symbol? Or is it scientific?
The answer is that it has a deep science related to it.
The real science is the proportion in which the metals are used to make the bell. It is made up of cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium and manganese. The moment the bell is rung, it produces a sharp sound that lasts for at least seven seconds, travelling in an echo. The sound connects with the seven healing chakras in your body. This is very beneficial to your body and mind.
The moment the sound of the bell reaches your brain, it creates a sense of unity between the left and the right brains and you reach a state where you are the most receptive, and all your thoughts are emptied out. This state is responsible for self-awareness. Before you enter the temple, you ring the bell to awaken yourself and prepare yourself for awareness. The state of emptiness actually makes you forget about your worries and has a calming and serenading effect.
A well-designed bell with give out the sound of ‘Om’ and will be deep and soothing. The positive sound invigorates and enhances the spiritual experience that one has in the tranquil environment of the sanctum sanctorum. Just as the effect of ‘Om’ has on the body, the ring of the bell has a similar effect. It enters the subconscious mind and relieves stress. The body, mind and soul reach a new level of spirituality and tranquillity with that simple sound of the bell.
When ringing the bell, the connection of your hand with the tongue sends vibrations through your body. These vibrations travel to your brain and heart, creating a sense of awakening. The energy thus created flows through and strengthens your mind, making you feel like you can do anything. This helps you get the feeling of serenity.
Also another factor of this ritual is that in the olden times, temples did not have any doors. So to prevent animals, birds and insects from staying inside the temple, the bells were installed. The sound of the bell due to wind made sure unwanted elements did not reside in the temple.
A very practical use of bells is that during aartis, ringing bells helps keep unruly sounds at bay and keep the aarti undisturbed. It creates a rhythm for the prayer during the aarti, plus helps maintain discipline and calm during that time.
The bells hanging in a temple represent a whole lot more than just a religious aspect, leading to a more scientific and practical approach to the seeing bells as a more function oriented device to help devotees in their journey towards spiritual awareness.
