Bhonyra

In Jainism, a Bhonyra (Prakrit languages: भोंयरा Bhōnyarā, Sanskrit: भूमिगृह Bhūmigr̥ha) is an underground chamber with Jain images. In the past, it was used to conceal sacred idols during times of disturbance.^[1]

There are several Jain temples in Bundelkhand that existed as a concealed bhonyra chamber for several centuries before being rediscovered.

In 2001, an entire Jain temple was found beneath a mound known as Rajgadhi Timbo at Umta, Gujarat. It was apparently buried to protect it from the destruction about 800 years ago.^[2]

In some regions, it became a common practice to build a bhonyra attached to the temple. Naya Mandir in Delhi has a concealed chamber. A visitor in 1876 described it:^[3]

In Delhi I found a Jain temple which was wholly unknown to Europeans well acquainted with the city; and on prosecuting inquiry, I got its priest to open to me a concealed chamber containing large statues of several of the Tirthankaras richly ornamented.

The chamber has now been given the form of a cave, suitable for peaceful meditation by visiting Jain monks.

A few years ago, several Jain idols were rediscovered in a bhonyara in Sanghiji temple, Sanganer in Rajasthan.^[4]

Some of the Jain temples in Ahmedabad have an underground chamber.^[5]