A brahmin of Vesāli. The Aṅguttaranikāya records a conversation between him and Kāraṇapālī. The latter meets Piṅgiyānī and, on learning that he was returning from a visit to the Buddha, asks him about the Buddha’s wisdom. Piṅgiyānī utters the Buddha’s praises with a wealth of simile and metaphor. Kāraṇapālī is impressed, and declares himself the Buddha’s follower (A.iii.236 ff). On another occasion, Piṅgiyānī is present when five hundred Licchavī come to pay honour to the Buddha at the Kūṭāgārasālā. The sight of the Buddha, sitting in their midst, outshining them all, inspires Piṅgiyānī and he bursts into song. The Licchavis give him five hundred upper garments, all of which he presents to the Buddha. Ibid., 239 f.

Buddhaghosa says (AA.ii.636) that Piṅgiyānī was a Non-returner. He went daily to the Buddha, with flowers and perfumes. See also Piṅgiya (3).