bhonyra

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File:UndergroundNavagarh.jpg discovered in 1950s]]

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{{Jainism}}

In Jainism, a Bhonyra ({{langx|pra|भोंयरा}} {{IAST| Bhōnyarā}}, {{langx|sa|भूमिगृह}} {{IAST| Bhūmigr̥ha}}) is an underground chamber with Jain images. In the past, it was used to conceal sacred idols during times of disturbance.गोपाचल के निकटवर्ती तीर्थ क्षेत्र http://hindi.webdunia.com/religion/religion/jainism/0708/11/1070811065_2.htm

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.Umta residents seek custody of Jain temple http://www.gujaratplus.com/00-01archive/arc393.html

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:A RUN THROUGH KATHIAWAR—THE HOLY MOUNTAIN, Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Published by W. Blackwood, 1876, Item notes: v.120 1876 Jul-Dec

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.Shri Digamber Jain Atishaya Kshetra Mandir, Sanghiji, Sanganer http://www.jainteerth.com/teerth/sanganer.asp {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719123228/http://www.jainteerth.com/teerth/sanganer.asp |date=19 July 2009 }}

Some of the Jain temples in Ahmedabad have an underground chamber.[http://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/others/anniversary-special/jain-temples/articleshow/62573375.cms PERFECT 10: JAIN TEMPLES, Ahmedabad Mirror, Jan 20, 2018 Many of the temples are believed to have been built in a manner where the idols were placed on the lower ground level]