Hanging temple bell made of brass mounted on a hanging frame made of beech wood.

Bells have a 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 linked to 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 they enter the shrine. It is said that by ringing the bell the devotee informs the deity of his/her arrival. The sound of the bell is considered auspicious, which welcomes divinity and drives away evil. The sound of the bell is said to detach the mind from the thoughts that are constantly going on, making the mind more receptive.[3] It is said that ringing the bell during prayer helps in controlling the wandering mind and focusing on the deity.