Budhni

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Budhni | type = city | latd = | longd =
state_name = Madhya Pradesh
district = Sehore
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population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 13,862| population_density =
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Budhni (Hindi:बुधनी) is a town and a nagar panchayat in Sehore district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. A town of historical importance it was formerly known as ‘Buddha Nivasini’ meaning the residential place of Buddha. It is situated on Bhopal to Hoshangabad road at a distance of 10 km from Hoshangabad in north direction on the banks of Narmada River.

History

Budhni is near the sacred siddhpeeth of Vindhyavasni devi at Salkanpur atop a hill. Thousands of people visit this place everyday climbing more than 1000 steps. A grand temple is under construction at the summit. Though not quite as striking as Sethani ghat in Hoshangabad Budhni ghat is an important place for swimmimg and other ctivities. Of late the town has become famous for an interesting electoral battle for BJP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and others.

It is argued that Budhni once also had Buddhist influence. Gautam Buddha, Emperor Ashoka and his daughter Sanghamitra visited the Upnith Bihar of Budhni where disciplines of Buddha lived and mediated. Most famous among them were Sariputra and Maudgalyayana. Their relics are buried in Saru Maru Caves in Paan Guradia village near Salkanpur.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Budhni had a population of 13,862. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Budhni has an average literacy rate of 71%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 78% and female literacy of 63%. 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

References

*Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Bhopal, Dated 22 April 2006

References