Spiritual Significance: The ringing of bells is believed to create a soothing and spiritually uplifting sound that resonates with the divine. It is thought to purify the environment and create a sacred atmosphere for worshippers.
Worship and Invocation: Devotees ring the bells before entering the temple as a way to announce their presence to the deity and seek blessings. It is a form of invocation, inviting the deity to listen to their prayers.
Warding Off Evil: The sound of the bells is believed to dispel negative energies and evil spirits. It is thought to protect the temple and its surroundings from any malevolent forces.
Symbolic Representation: In Hinduism, bells are considered symbolic of the elements – the clapper represents the soul (atma), and the body of the bell represents the divine (paramatma). The ringing of the bell symbolizes the union of the individual soul with the divine.
Rituals and Ceremonies: Bells are used in various rituals and ceremonies within the temple. They are rung during aarti (the ritual of worship involving fire and lamps) and during the temple’s opening and closing times.
Pilgrimage Tradition: Pilgrims visiting Kedarnath often offer bells to the deity as a token of their devotion and gratitude. These bells are then hung in and around the temple premises, adding to the overall ambiance.
