It is a common ritual in Hindu temples to ring bells during aarathi and pooja. The ringing of the bell is not an attempt to show one’s presence at the temple or to wake up a sleeping god, as many believe. The rituals in temples like sounding a conch or ringing the bell are ways of creating a suitable ambience for devotion. These sounds distract us from any disturbing noises that may be prevalent in the premises, and focuses our attention towards the pooja. Also, it is said that the sound produced by the conch and while ringing the bell produces positive vibrations which enhances the spiritual experience of the devotee. The sloka below is to be chanted while ringing the bell at temples as a prayer to usher in auspiciousness.
Aagamaarthamtu devaanaam
Gamanaarthamtu rakshasaam
Kurve ghantaaravam tatra
Devataahvaahna lakshanam
Meaning - “I ring this bell to invoke divinity to let noble forces enter my heart and keep demonic forces away from it”