Ghanta
Ghanta is the Sanskrit term for a ritual bell used in Hindu religious practices. The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. Hindu temples generally have one metal bell hanging at the entrance and devotees ring the bell while entering the temple which is an essential part in preparation of having a darshan. A bell is also rung by the pujari during pūjā or yajna – during the waving of light, burning of incense in front of the deity, while bathing the deity, and while offering food or flowers. There are bells specially made to produce the long strains of the sound Om.
Characteristics
The bell is made out of five to seven precious metals, which are connected to the planets: lead, tin, iron, copper, mercury, silver and gold. A clapper is attached to the inside and the bell makes a high pitched sound when rung. The top of the bell handle is usually adorned with a brass figure - bells intended for use in the worship of Shiva will have a figure of his bull Nandi, while those used in the worship of Vishnu or his avatars as Rama, Narasimha or Krishna will have a figure of Garuda or Panchajanya shankha or Sudarshana Chakra.Usage
In Hinduism, bells are generally hung at the temple dome in front of the Garbhagriha. Generally, devotees ring the bell while entering into the sanctum. 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 dispels evil. The sound of the bell is said to disengage mind from ongoing thoughts thus making the mind more receptive. Bell ringing during prayer is said to help in controlling the ever wandering mind and focusing on the deity.Mantra
In Hinduism, the mantra chanted while ringing the bell is
Aagamaardhamtu devaanaam gamanaardhamtu rakshasaam, Kuru ghantaaravam krutva devataahvaana lanchanam
I ring this bell indicating the invocation of divinity, so that virtuous and noble forces enter; and the demonic and evil forces, from within and without, depart.