Question

Saptarishi is the Indian name of which Constellation?
(A) Ursa Major
(B) Ursa Minor
(C) Orion
(D) Draco

Answer 1

Hint The word “Saptarishi” is coming from Sanskrit, which means “seven sages”. They are the seven rishis in ancient India, who are admired at many places in the Vedas and other Hindu literature. In ancient Indian astrology, the group of stars of the Big Dipper (part of the constellation of Ursa Major) is called Saptarishi.

Complete Step by Step Answer The Indian name of “Saptarishi” Constellation is Ursa Major or Great Bear. The name of these Saptarishi stars is- Kratu (Dubhe), Pulaha (Merak), Pulastya (Phecda), Atri (Megrez), Angiras (Alioth), Vashistha (Mizar), Marichi (Alkaid). “Saptarishi” has 3 stars in the slant line and 4 stars in the square. The name of the Ursa Major constellation (or Great Bear constellation) is “Saptarishi”. The Great Bear constellations (Ursa Major constellation) remind us of a large scoop or a question mark dissipated in the sky. “Saptarishi” era is the oldest era of Indian history. The “Saptarishi” keeps changing for every Manvantara.

Additional InformationThe constellations of Ursa Major are in the northern sky, whose integrated mythology likely dates back into prehistory. In the ancient era, it was one of the real 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD. In modern-day, it is the third largest of the 88 modern constellations. Ursa Major is mainly known from the pattern of seven stars which has been called the “Big Dipper,” “The Wagon,” “Charles’s Wain,” or “the Plough,” among other names.

So the correct option is (A): Ursa Major

Note There are 27 constellations in our entire universe. In each constellation, the Saptarishi stayed for 100-100 years. In this way, the Saptarishi completes one round in 2700 years.