Identification of the stars of the saptarsi Mandala and its vicinity

Abstract

The Saptarṣi Maṇḍala is the group of the seven main stars in the constellation Ursa Major. It is familiar to all the observers of the northern hemisphere, and is cited in both astronomical and non-astronomical texts. Here, we study the positions of the seven stars based on their co-ordinates provided in different star catalogues. This also helps in fixing the epochs of the catalogues. We also discuss the relatively unknown constellations Trivikrama and Śiśumāra (or Śiṃśumāra). We also discuss the constellation corresponding to Ursa Minor, as a fish with the Pole Star at its centre.