ghanta

thumb|Small and big ghanta in Changu Narayan Temple, Nepal Ghanta (Sanskrit: घण्टा, IAST: ghaṇṭā; Tibetan: drilbu) 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 (Saturn), tin (Jupiter), iron (Mars), copper (Venus), mercury (Mercury), silver (the Moon) and gold (the Sun). 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.