Description
Bells have symbolic meaning in Hinduism. The curved body of the bell represents Ananta. The clapper or tongue of the bell represents Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge. The handle of the bell represents Prana Shakti – vital force and is symbolically associated with Hanuman, Garuda, Nandi (bull) or Sudarshana Chakra. In Hinduism, bells are generally hung on the temple dome for the Garbhagriha. Devotees generally ring the bell when entering the sanctum. It is said that by ringing the bell, the devotee informs the deity of his or her arrival. The sound of the bell is considered auspicious, welcoming divinity and dispelling evil. The sound of the bell is said to detach the mind from the constant thoughts, making it more receptive.[3] It is said that ringing the bell during prayer helps control the wandering mind and concentrate on the deity.
