Aagamaarthamtu devaanaam gamanaarthamtu rakshasaam
Kurve ghantaaravam tatra devataahvaahna lakshanam
(Agama Shastra}

(I ring this bell as an invocation of the forces of divinity, so that virtuous and noble forces enter; and the demonic and evil forces from within and without depart.)

The ringing of the bell (Mani, in Tamil) has a deep, symbolic meaning in Indian culture. The treble sound is said to be auspicious and helps focus the mind. The bell's resonance is 'Om', the cosmic sound of creation itself. Ringing the bell before entering a place of worship or even a house, helps invoke the blessings of the divine. Each part of the bell has its own significance: the curved body represents Ananta (the endlessness of time), the clapper represents Saraswati (the goddess of wisdom) and the handle symbolises Prana Shakti (the energy in all life).

Each entrance at VR Chennai houses a unique bell installation crafted from one of four elements - metal, wood, glass and earth.