Bhonyra

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

Naya Mandir in Delhi has a concealed chamber. A visitor in 1876 described it:^[2]

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.

There are several Jain temples in Bundelkhand that have a bhonyra chamber. A few years ago, several Jain idols were found in a bhonyara in Sanganer in Rajasthan.^[3]

In 2001, an entire Jain temple was found beneath a mound at Umta, Gujarat. It was apparently buried to protect it from the destruction about 800 years ago.^[4]

References

^ गोपाचल के निकटवर्ती तीर्थ क्षेत्र http://hindi.webdunia.com/religion/religion/jainism/0708/11/1070811065_2.htm
^ A RUN THROUGH KATHIAWAR—THE HOLY MOUNTAIN, Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Published by W. Blackwood, 1876, Item notes: v.120 1876 Jul-Dec
^ Shri Digamber Jain Atishaya Kshetra Mandir, Sanghiji, Sanganer http://www.jainteerth.com/teerth/sanganer.asp
^ Umta residents seek custody of Jain temple http://www.gujaratplus.com/00-01archive/arc393.html

[1] गोपाचल के निकटवर्ती तीर्थ क्षेत्र http://hindi.webdunia.com/religion/religion/jainism/0708/11/1070811065_2.htm

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

[3] Shri Digamber Jain Atishaya Kshetra Mandir, Sanghiji, Sanganer http://www.jainteerth.com/teerth/sanganer.asp

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

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See also

References