Thread by @sun_usind

#JaiShriRam Nandini @NandiniVenkate3

Since my early childhood, I was completely aware of how the sound of a temple bell created a transient moment of stillness in me. I did not really know what it was and why? 1/13

We lived close to a Shiva temple, always heard the bell sounding as devotees thronged the temple. Even then, my mind was quite chaotic thoughts of exams, not being fully prepared, etc. But a strong bell sound from the temple would immediately clear my mind for a few moments 2/

So, my mind wafted off to those instances and I started reading a bit about Hindu Temple Bells. Interestingly there is sound science to it too. I surfed the internet and I am trying to present the resulting knowledge 3/13

Bells are designed to make distinct sounds when the bell clapper is engaged. No two different types of bells will sound the same. The reason is the metal used to design the bell. All over the world, across cultures, bells are made and different metals are used 4/13

For example if a bell is made with copper, then the metal is too soft and it would probably create a soft sound that may not travel far. But certain cultures do use bells made of copper or brass etc 5/13

The bells in Hindu temples are actually made with precise scientific calculations for the amount of metals and the types! Hindu temple bells have the following metals: Cadmium, Lead, Copper, zinc, Nickel, Chromium and Manganese! 6/13

They are alloyed in perfect proportions to create a desired effect. A well designed bell is capable of producing a long echo of the sound ‘OM’ which is believed to have the same frequency of the earth’s rotation around its axis 7/13

Thus, by leveraging the proportions of types of metal, a bell can produce a strong but calming long echo that can potentially stop our thoughts and lead to a transient calmness. I have experienced it. 8/13

So, when the bell clapper is stuck, the metal make up in the bell vibrates, air is a good conductor of vibrations. The vibrations which are sound waves reach our ears and make our ear drums vibrate. A physics student can relate to this as an experiment of resonance using 9/13

tuning forks! This vibration of both ear drums causes unison of both left and right brain to create harmony (I don’t have a scientific basis for this part but can accept it) The metal character of the bell allows for the uninterrupted, deep, sonorous echo! 10/13

A well designed bell can produce a sharp sound that vibrates for seven seconds in the echo mode, long enough to touch the seven chakras in our bodies. 11/13

As per our culture, the body of the bell represents time -Ananta, The tongue (clapper) of the bell represents Goddess Saraswati and the handle represents Prana Shakti that is Hanuman, Garuda, Nandi or chakra! 12/13

Thought you might like it. Everyone please contribute your experiences.

All thoughts are welcome. I am trying to learn here.

The bell pics are not representative of the descriptions. Only for artistry!

Have a super day Nandini, Jai Shri Ram 🙏🏻