Underground chamber in Navagarh discovered in 1950sThree historical idols of Lord Adinath belonging to 1145(VS 1202) in the underground chamber at Paporaji
In Jainism, a Bhonyra (Prakrit languages: भोंयराBhōnyarā, Sanskrit: भूमिगृहBhūmigr̥ha) 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.
