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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]
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] See alsoReferences
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