Choosing a pooja bell by its sound

A pooja bell is rung every day, so how it sounds matters more than how it looks. At our counter we ask customers to ring three or four bells one after another before they choose.

The metal makes the biggest difference. Brass bells, made of copper and zinc, ring brightly but fade quickly. Bell metal, a mix of copper and tin, gives a deeper note that hangs in the air for several seconds; it is heavier and costs more. Our 7 inch brass mani weighs 420 g and costs ₹890. A bell-metal bell of the same height is about ₹1,600.

Size and weight come next. A small 5 inch bell suits a shelf in a flat, where a loud ring carries into the next room. A 7 or 8 inch bell fills a pooja room comfortably. Hold it by the handle for a minute; if your wrist tires, it is too heavy for daily use. The handle usually carries a small Nandi, Garuda or Hanuman figure, and families often choose by their tradition.

To test a bell, hold it loosely and swing once. Listen for a clean note without a rattle. A rattle often means the clapper is loose or the casting has a crack. Ask for the clapper to be checked; we tighten or replace clappers for free on bells bought from us. Clean the outside with tamarind, but leave the inside alone, since polishing the inner surface changes the tone very little and takes time.