Here's why you should ring the temple bell before entering the temple

Did you know that the temple bell makes you more alert and improves your concentration?

Whenever you visit a temple, you ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagudi or Garbha Gruha or womb-chamber) where the main idol is placed. The bell or the 'ghanta' is also an indispensable part of any Hindu puja. But did you ever wonder why you need to ring the bell every time you enter a temple? According to Agama Sastra, the sound of the bell keeps evil forces away, and the ring of the bell is pleasant to God. Many also believe that the sound of the bell invites the deity to accept prayers. What may be of interest to you is the scientific reason behind this practice. Swami Madhusudan, meditation teacher Art Of Living tells you how it works.

The bells in the temples are made up of metals like cadmium, zinc, nickel, chromium and manganese that produce a distinct sound, which brings the left and right side of your brain to an equilibrium. The moment you ring the bell, a sharp sound is produced, the echo of which lasts for a minimum of 10 seconds. The duration of the echo is good enough to activate all the seven healing centres in your body. The sound clears all the thoughts from your mind so that you invariably enter a state where you are more receptive than before. The ring clears your mind, improves your concentration and makes you more alert. This also results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.

Bottom line-- Before you walk into the temple, the temple bell wakes you up so that your alertness and concentration is at the peak. This easy mudra will also make you more alert and calm your anxious mind. Also, try these yoga poses to improve your concentration.