One of the group of five ascetics (Pañcavaggiyā) (J.i.82). He became a Stream-winner on the third day after the teaching of the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. He became an Arahant on the day of the teaching of the Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta, together with the other four ascetics (AA.i.84; MA.i.390).

Mahānāma once visited Macchikāsaṇḍa, and there Cittagahapati, seeing him beg for alms and pleased with his bearing, invited him to his house, gave him a meal, and listened to a discourse by him. Citta was greatly pleased, and offered his pleasure garden of Ambāṭakavana to Mahānāma as a gift to the Order and built there a great monastery. DhA.ii.74.