The significance of ringing the Bell in Temple

Temple bells, often found near the entrance, are a familiar sight in many places of worship. Devotees typically ring these bells upon entering, before proceeding for darshan (viewing of the deity) and prayers. The act of ringing the bell is often a source of joy for children, who eagerly reach for it, sometimes with a little help.

This raises the question: why do we ring these bells? Is it to awaken the deity? Such a notion seems unlikely, as divine beings are not believed to sleep. Is it to inform them of our arrival? Surely, an omniscient being is already aware of our presence. Or is it a symbolic request for permission to enter? While devotees are considered children of the divine, always welcome in their spiritual home, the reason behind ringing the bell lies deeper.

The sound produced by the bell is considered auspicious. It is believed to resonate with the sound of "Aum (Om)," the universal sound representing the divine. This act of ringing the bell is meant to create an atmosphere of auspiciousness, both within the individual and in the surrounding environment, preparing the devotee for a vision of the all-auspicious divine.

The bell is also rung during Aarti (a ritual of worship with lamps), often accompanied by other musical instruments like the conch. The combined sound of the bell, conch, and other instruments serves to drown out any inauspicious noises or distractions that could disrupt the worshippers' devotion, concentration, and inner peace.

A traditional mantra is often chanted while ringing the bell:
आगमार्थं तु देवानां गमनार्थं तु रक्षसाम् । घण्टारवं करोम्यादौ देवताह्वान लाञ्छनम् ॥ 

Aagama-Artham Tu Devaanaam Gamana-Artham Tu Rakssasaam | Ghannttaa-Ravam Karomya[i-A]adau Devata[a-A]ahvaana Laan.chanam ||

This 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."

In essence, the mantra expresses a dual purpose: inviting positive, divine energies (Devas) and dispelling negative, demonic forces (Rakshasas). The ringing of the bell is thus a symbolic act of creating a sacred space, inviting auspiciousness and warding off negativity.