Question

The constellation Orion is associated with the legend of Osiris, the god of the afterlife. Find out the astronomical descriptions and legends associated with the following.
(i) Ursa Major (saptarishi mandala)

(ii) Polaris (Dhruva tara)

(iii) Pegasus (winged horse)

(iv) Sirius (Dog star)

(v) Gemini (Mithuna)

Answer 1

(i) Ursa Major (saptarishi mandala)- Ursa major is also known by the name of “Great Bear”. In Hinduism, Ursa Major is known as ‘saptarishi’ or the ‘seven sages’.

(ii) Polaris (Dhruva tara)- It is the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor. It is the current northern pole star.

(iii) Pegasus (winged horse)- It is the constellation in the northern sky. It is named after the winged horse Pegasus in Greek mythology.

(iv) Sirius (Dog star)- Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. It is called the “Dog Star”. It is classically depicted as Orion’s dog.

(v) Gemini (Mithuna)- It is a zodiacal constellation in the northern hemisphere. In Greek mythology it is associated with twins, Castor and Pollux.