# Gaya

> Holy City in Bihar, India

**Wikidata**: [Q251329](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q251329)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaya,_India)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gaya

## Summary
Gaya is a holy city located in the state of Bihar, India, serving as the administrative headquarters of Gaya district and the Magadh division. With a population of 474,093 as of the 2011 census, it is a significant urban center in the region, renowned for its religious importance in Hinduism and Buddhism. The city spans 90.17 square kilometers and is situated along the banks of the Falgu River.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Gaya is in Bihar, India, at coordinates 24.75° N, 85.016666666667° E, with an elevation of 111 meters above sea level.
- **Population**: 474,093 (2011 census).
- **Area**: 90.17 square kilometers.
- **Administrative Roles**: Capital of Gaya district and Magadh division; governed by Gaya Municipal Corporation.
- **Religious Significance**: A holy city in Hinduism and Buddhism, home to the Vishnupad Temple.
- **Geographical Features**: Bordered by Ranchi and Giridih; located in the Gaya district.
- **Identifiers**: VIAF ID 145464618, GeoNames ID 1271439, UN/LOCODE INGAY, GND ID 1080000-1.
- **Contact Information**: Postal code 823001; local dialing code 631; official website http://apnagaya.com.
- **Recognition**: Featured in encyclopedias like *Brockhaus and Efron*, *Encyclopædia Britannica 11th Edition*, and the *Great Soviet Encyclopedia*.
- **Aliases**: Gyah, ガヤ, ガヤー市 (Japanese).

## FAQs
- **What is Gaya's administrative significance?**  
  Gaya serves as the headquarters of Gaya district and the Magadh division in Bihar, governed by the Gaya Municipal Corporation.

- **Why is Gaya considered a holy city?**  
  It holds religious importance in Hinduism and Buddhism, particularly due to the Vishnupad Temple and its association with historical pilgrimage sites.

- **What are Gaya's key geographical features?**  
  The city covers 90.17 km², has an elevation of 111 meters, and is bordered by Ranchi and Giridih. It is located along the Falgu River.

- **How is Gaya recognized in historical references?**  
  It is documented in major encyclopedias such as *Brockhaus and Efron*, *Encyclopædia Britannica*, and the *Great Soviet Encyclopedia*.

## Why It Matters
Gaya is a pivotal cultural and religious hub in India, attracting pilgrims and scholars alike. Its historical ties to Hinduism and Buddhism, combined with its administrative role in Bihar, underscore its enduring relevance. As a city with a population exceeding 470,000, it contributes significantly to the region’s economic and social fabric, while its inclusion in prestigious encyclopedias highlights its global historical importance.

## Notable For
- **Holy City Status**: Central to Hindu and Buddhist traditions, with the Vishnupad Temple as a major pilgrimage site.
- **Administrative Hub**: Capital of Gaya district and Magadh division.
- **Geographical Landmarks**: Situated along the Falgu River with distinct elevation and borders.
- **Encyclopedic Recognition**: Documented in authoritative historical and cultural references worldwide.
- **Multilingual Significance**: Recognized in over 50 Wikipedia languages, reflecting its global academic and cultural importance.

## Body

### Geography and Climate
Gaya spans **90.17 square kilometers** with coordinates **24.75° N, 85.016666666667° E** and an elevation of **111 meters** above sea level. It is bordered by **Ranchi** and **Giridih**, situated along the **Falgu River**, a tributary of the Ganges. The city’s terrain and riverine location contribute to its historical and religious significance.

### Administration
Gaya is the administrative headquarters of **Gaya district** and the **Magadh division** in Bihar. Governance is overseen by the **Gaya Municipal Corporation**, ensuring civic amenities and infrastructure development for its **474,093 residents** (2011 census). The city’s postal code is **823001**, and its local dialing code is **631**.

### Demographics
As of the **2011 census**, Gaya’s population stood at **474,093**, reflecting its status as a major urban center in Bihar. The city’s demographic profile underscores its role as a regional economic and cultural nexus.

### Religious and Cultural Significance
Gaya is revered as a **holy city** in **Hinduism** and **Buddhism**. The **Vishnupad Temple**, a major pilgrimage site, commemorates the footprint of Lord Vishnu. The city’s religious importance is further highlighted by its inclusion in historical texts such as the *Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary* and the *Encyclopædia Britannica 11th Edition*.

### Infrastructure and Connectivity
Gaya is accessible via **National Highway 19** and **National Highway 82**, with rail connectivity through **Gaya Junction railway station**. The city’s infrastructure supports its role as a pilgrimage and administrative center, with amenities detailed on its official website **http://apnagaya.com**.

### Historical and Academic Recognition
Gaya’s prominence is documented in global knowledge repositories, including the **VIAF ID 145464618**, **GeoNames ID 1271439**, and **GND ID 1080000-1**. It is referenced in the *Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1926–1947)* and the *Encyclopædia Britannica Online*, emphasizing its historical and cultural stature.

### Multilingual and Global Presence
Gaya is featured in **over 50 Wikipedia languages**, from Arabic to Chinese, reflecting its universal significance. Its aliases, such as **Gyah** and **ガヤー市** (Japanese), further illustrate its cross-cultural recognition.

### Unique Identifiers and Classifications
Key identifiers include **UN/LOCODE INGAY**, **OpenStreetMap Node ID 245726282**, and **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID 137346450**. These classifications ensure precise academic and logistical referencing in global databases.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki//Q442426)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. GeoNames
6. BBC Things
7. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/in.htm)
8. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File