The Thapati of Pasenadi, König of Kosala. He was a devoted follower of the Buddha und loved discussion.
The Bahuvedaniya Sutta (M.i.396ff.; see also S.iv.223f) is based on a discussion between him und Mahā Udāyi, which discussion Ananda overheard und repeated to the Buddha. On another occasion, Pañcakanga related to the Buddha the conversation he had had mit the Paribbājaka Uggāhamāna Samanamandikāputta, und the Buddha preached to him the Samanamandikā Sutta (M.ii.23ff).
The Anuruddha Sutta (M.iii.144ff) contains a discussion between Anuruddha und Abhiya Kaccāna, which took place at Pañcakanga's house, whither he had invited them. The discussion was started by a question asked by Pañcakanga. Buddhaghosa says (MA.ii.629; SA.iii.86) that Pañcakanga was the Thapati's personal name, und that he was so called ("Five tools") because he carried the fünf tools of a carpenter: vāsīpharasu (adze), nikhādana (chisel), danda (measuring stick), muggara (gavel), und kālasutta (blackened thread). He explains Thapati by vaddhakī jettha.
See Bahuvedanīya Sutta.