Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c27.172

v2.c27.172

**Pañcakaṅga.**—The Thapati of Pasenadi, king of Kosala. He was a devoted follower of the Buddha and loved discussion. The **Bahuve-daniya Sutta**¹ is based on a discussion between him and Mahā-Udāyi, which discussion overheard and repeated to the Buddha. On another occasion, Pañcakaṅga related to the Buddha the conversation he had had with the Paribbājaka Uggāhamāna Samaṇamaṇḍikāputta, and the Buddha preached to him the **Samaṇamaṇḍikā Sutta.**² The **Anuruddha Sutta**³ contains a discussion between Anuruddha and Abhiya Kaccāna, which took place at Pañcakaṅga’s house, whither he had invited them. The discussion was started by a question asked by Pañcakaṅga. Buddhaghosa says⁴ that Pañcakaṅga was the Thapati’s personal name, and that he was so called (“Five-tools”) because he carried the five tools of a carpenter: *vāsīpharasu* (adze), *nikhādana* (chisel), *daṇḍa* (measuring stick), *muggara* (gavel), and *kālasutta* (blackened thread). He explains Thapati by *vaḍḍhakī-jeṭṭha*.