1. Bhaggava. A teacher to whom the Buddha went after leaving Rájagaha, and before seeking Alára and Uddaka. ThigA., p. 2.
2. Bhaggava. Father of Angulimála and chaplain of the king of Kosala. Bhaggava was a brahmin. Thag.A.ii.57.
3. Bhaggava. A potter in Rájagaha in whose dwelling the Buddha met and conversed with Pukkusáti (M.iii.237).
Bhaggava seems to have been a generic name for all potters, perhaps a special form of address used towards members of the kumbhakára "caste." Thus we find in the books several instances of potters being addressed as "Bhaggava". E.g., DhA.i.33; J.ii.80, iii.382. At J.111.382 the potter's wife is addressed as "Bhaggaví."
In the Samyutta Nikáya (S.i.36, 60) the Buddha addresses Ghatíkára Brahmá as "Bhaggava"; he had been a potter of Vehalinga in his previous birth and the name "Ghatíkára" itself means "jar maker." The Commentaries give no explanation of the word; perhaps the potters claimed their descent from Bhrgu.
Bhaggava is sometimes given as an example of a gotta. E.g., Sp.i.160 (with Gotama).
See also Bhaggavagotta.