In addition to being a city and municipal corporation, Gaya (IAST: Gayā) serves as the administrative center for the Indian states of Bihar’s Gaya district and Magadh division. With a population of more than 500,000, Gaya is the second-largest city in the state and is located 116 kilometers (72 miles) south of Patna. The Phalgu River lies on the eastern side of the city, which is encircled by small, rocky hills on three sides (Shringa-Sthan, Ram-Shila, Mangla-Gauri, and Brahmayoni).