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Ancient Bharatiya intellectual seers with due regard to the special attributes of womanhood, considered that women require special protection all through their life for it is indisputable that women are the most vulnerable to attack by men with evil propensities. It is a matter of common knowledge that offences against women by men have been a problem throughout human history and consequently, it is the woman who suffers irreparable physical, mental and socio-economic damage.  In particular, sexual assault is the most heinous crime which ruins the whole life of a woman.

Ancient Bharatiya intellectual seers with due regard to the special attributes of womanhood, considered that women require special protection all through their life for it is indisputable that women are the most vulnerable to attack by men with evil propensities. It is a matter of common knowledge that offences against women by men have been a problem throughout human history and consequently, it is the woman who suffers irreparable physical, mental and socio-economic damage.  In particular, sexual assault is the most heinous crime which ruins the whole life of a woman.

==  Right to Protection ==

==  Right to Protection ==

Undoubtedly, the right to equality and all other human rights are applicable to men and women, equally.  However, protection for women being recognized by ancient seers as matter of great importance, they proclaimed that the best method to enforce Right to Protection of women is by ingraining the ideal of ‘Respect for womanhood’ in every individual and in particular in men through spiritual education right from inception and at all levels of education. Thus, right to protection of women was a cherished value of life from time immemorial in [[Bharatavarsha]]. The much maligned [[Manu]] in modern, “secular India has this to say about women’s rights in Vedic Bharat  

Undoubtedly, the right to equality and all other human rights are applicable to men and women, equally.  However, protection for women being recognized by ancient seers as matter of great importance, they proclaimed that the best method to enforce Right to Protection of women is by ingraining the ideal of ‘Respect for womanhood’ in every individual and in particular in men through adhyatmik education right from inception and at all levels of education. Thus, right to protection of women was a cherished value of life from time immemorial in [[Bharatavarsha]]. The much maligned [[Manu]] in modern, secular India has this to say about women’s rights in Vedic Bharat  

यत्र नार्यास्तु पूज्यन्ते, रमन्ते तत्र देवताः ।

यत्र नार्यास्तु पूज्यन्ते, रमन्ते तत्र देवताः ।

आत्मवत्सर्वभूतेषु यः पश्यति स पण्डितः ।। (Hitopadesa 14)

आत्मवत्सर्वभूतेषु यः पश्यति स पण्डितः ।। (Hitopadesa 14)

“A person who regards, every woman other than his wife as equal to his own mother, who regards wealth which belongs to another as equal to a clod of earth and who regards every other individual, as his own self, is an educated man in the real sense of the term.

A person who regards, every woman other than his wife as equal to his own mother, who regards wealth which belongs to another as equal to a clod of earth and who regards every other individual, as his own self, is an educated man in the real sense of the term.

पुत्राधिकाश्च दौहित्रा भागिनेयाश्च भ्रातरः ।

पुत्राधिकाश्च दौहित्रा भागिनेयाश्च भ्रातरः ।

रक्षन्ति स्थविरे पुत्रा न स्त्री स्वातन्त्रयमर्हति ।। (Manusmriti 9.3)  

रक्षन्ति स्थविरे पुत्रा न स्त्री स्वातन्त्रयमर्हति ।। (Manusmriti 9.3)  

“Father protects the girl during her childhood, the husband protects her after marriage and her sons protect her in old age.  At no stage a woman should be left free. (without protection)

Father protects the girl during her childhood, the husband protects her after marriage and her sons protect her in old age.  At no stage a woman should be left free. (without protection)

==  Indology Myths to ‘Break India’ ==

==  Indology Myths to ‘Break India’ ==

The East India Company Indologists who strived for Bharat’s economic destruction, the destruction of its social fabric have used Manu’s verse on protection of women at every stage of her life to say that Vedas stifle women’s freedom as they order women to remain enslaved to men throughout their lives. The verses of Manusmriti that endorse the significance of women’s pivotal role in societal well-being, honoring women and the responsibility of society to ensure their well-being (Ch. 3 Verses 56, 57, 58, 62 and 114) have been totally ignored.  An intelligent and honest reader of the verse understands very clear its import, i.e. to declare the responsibility of men (the father, husband and sons) to maintain and protect the daughter, wife and mother respectively. clearly, as stated by Western historians and their Indian disciples, it is not a directive to subjugate or dominate women, which interestingly was and continues to be the way of the Anglo-Saxons & Arab colonizers.  To interpret the verse to the effect that it is a directive to treat a woman as a slave and that she should be deprived of freedom throughout her life is not only erroneous but should be put down as cultural genocide.

The East India Company Indologists who strived for Bharat’s economic destruction, the destruction of its social fabric have used Manu’s verse on protection of women at every stage of her life to say that Vedas stifle women’s freedom as they order women to remain enslaved to men throughout their lives. The verses of Manusmriti that endorse the significance of women’s pivotal role in societal well-being, honoring women and the responsibility of society to ensure their well-being (Ch. 3 Verses 56, 57, 58, 62 and 114) have been totally ignored.  An intelligent and honest reader of the verse understands very clear its import, i.e. to declare the responsibility of men (the father, husband and sons) to maintain and protect the daughter, wife and mother respectively. clearly, as stated by Western historians and their Bharat's disciples, it is not a directive to subjugate or dominate women, which interestingly was and continues to be the way of the Anglo-Saxons & Arab colonizers.  To interpret the verse to the effect that it is a directive to treat a woman as a slave and that she should be deprived of freedom throughout her life is not only erroneous but should be put down as cultural genocide.

=== Purport of the Verse ===

=== Purport of the Verse ===

Kerry Brown, in her book “The Essential Teachings of Hinduism (Arrow Books, London, 1990) ascertains the real meaning of the controversial verse in Manusmriti thus:

Kerry Brown, in her book The Essential Teachings of Hinduism (Arrow Books, London, 1990) ascertains the real meaning of the controversial verse in Manusmriti thus:

''“In Hinduism, a woman is looked after not because she is inferior or incapable but, on the contrary, because she is treasured.  She is the pride and power of the society. '''Just as the crown jewels should not be left unguarded, neither should a woman be left unprotected.'''  No extra burden of earning a living should be placed on women who already bear huge responsibilities in society; childbirth, child-care, domestic well-being and spiritual growth. She is the transmitter of culture to her children.''

''In Hinduism, a woman is looked after not because she is inferior or incapable but, on the contrary, because she is treasured.  She is the pride and power of the society. '''Just as the crown jewels should not be left unguarded, neither should a woman be left unprotected.'''  No extra burden of earning a living should be placed on women who already bear huge responsibilities in society; childbirth, child-care, domestic well-being and adhyatmik growth. She is the transmitter of culture to her children.''

== Laws to Ensure Right to Protection of Women ==

== Laws to Ensure Right to Protection of Women ==

Supreme Court of India in the case of Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan, 1997 (6) SCC241, issued a directive to the Government and the employers to protect working women from sexual harassment in the workplace.  

Supreme Court of India in the case of Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan, 1997 (6) SCC241, issued a directive to the Government and the employers to protect working women from sexual harassment in the workplace.  

International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has laid down the general recommendations in Article 11, in the context of “Violence and equality in employment.  

International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has laid down the general recommendations in Article 11, in the context of Violence and equality in employment.  

In view of the modern civilization where many women work outside the home, laws which define the obligation of the employer to provide protection to working women against harassment have to be clearly laid in place.  If such obligation were to be added to the aforesaid verse of Manusmriti, it would read as follows:

In view of the modern civilization where many women work outside the home, laws which define the obligation of the employer to provide protection to working women against harassment have to be clearly laid in place.  If such obligation were to be added to the aforesaid verse of Manusmriti, it would read as follows:

== Special Provisions of Ancient Laws: ==

== Special Provisions of Ancient Laws: ==

# Women’s Property:  The provision of ancient Indian law regarding perfecting title to an immovable property by adverse possession was made inapplicable in respect of property belonging to women, state and temple.  न भोगं कल्पयेत्स्त्रीषु देवराजधनेषु च ।The spirit of or object behind modern laws  ensuring women’s rights have been enshrined in our Vedas as is seen in the verse of Manusmriti- women require protection against the onslaughts of males with evil propensities.

# Women’s Property:  The provision of ancient Bharat's law regarding perfecting title to an immovable property by adverse possession was made inapplicable in respect of property belonging to women, state and temple.  न भोगं कल्पयेत्स्त्रीषु देवराजधनेषु च ।The spirit of or object behind modern laws  ensuring women’s rights have been enshrined in our Vedas as is seen in the verse of Manusmriti- women require protection against the onslaughts of males with evil propensities.

# Death sentence for rape of women in custody :  संरुध्दस्य वा तत्रैव घातः ।  तदेवाध्यक्षेण गृहीतायामार्यायां विद्यात् ।।  “Capital sentence should be imposed for offence of rape committed against a woman arrested by an officer of the State.  (Kautilya Arthasastra, p. 256)

# Death sentence for rape of women in custody :  संरुध्दस्य वा तत्रैव घातः ।  तदेवाध्यक्षेण गृहीतायामार्यायां विद्यात् ।।  Capital sentence should be imposed for offence of rape committed against a woman arrested by an officer of the State.  (Kautilya Arthasastra, p. 256)

# बलाच्चेत्पहृता कन्या मन्त्रैर्यदि न संस्कृता ।  अन्यस्मै विधिवद्देया यथा कन्या तथैव सा ।। “ If a damsel has been abducted and not given in marriage in accordance with lase, she may lawfully be given to another man. She is as chaste as a maiden. (Vasishta, p. 72-73, Dharmakosha, p. 1021)  This specific provision “she  is as chaste as a maiden is most humane for women who are the unfortunate victims of sexual assault, thus restoring their social status in the society.

# बलाच्चेत्पहृता कन्या मन्त्रैर्यदि न संस्कृता ।  अन्यस्मै विधिवद्देया यथा कन्या तथैव सा ।।   If a damsel has been abducted and not given in marriage in accordance with lase, she may lawfully be given to another man. She is as chaste as a maiden. (Vasishta, p. 72-73, Dharmakosha, p. 1021)  This specific provision she  is as chaste as a maiden is most humane for women who are the unfortunate victims of sexual assault, thus restoring their social status in the society.

== Why and how did March 8th come to be celebrated as International Women’s Day? ==

== Why and how did March 8th come to be celebrated as International Women’s Day? ==

Women’s day is celebrated with much gusto on March 8th every year in different parts of the world. The trend has caught on in India too since the last decade or two. It was on this date March 8th 1885, that Susan Anthony of USA, addressed the House of Representatives in USA for equal rights for women, to vote in the US elections. Until then, the women in USA did not have the right to vote in elections. This day, thus represents a fight for equality from a position of inequality. While this is a red letter day for the march of women in USA, there have been many brave women in other parts of the world too who have fought the prevailing social conditions to bring about equality for women.  

'''Women’s day is celebrated with much gusto on March 8th every year in different parts of the world. The trend has caught on in India too since the last decade or two. It was on this date March 8th 1885, that Susan Anthony of USA, addressed the House of Representatives in USA for equal rights for women, to vote in the US elections. Until then, the women in USA did not have the right to vote in elections. This day, thus represents a fight for equality from a position of inequality. While this is a red letter day for the march of women in USA, there have been many brave women in other parts of the world too who have fought the prevailing social conditions to bring about equality for women.'''

Such a secondary position for women in society comes from the fundamental thought and premise that, “behind every successful man there is a woman. This phrase by its implication means that the woman is always behind a man, supporting him, pushing him forward and allowing him to set the pace.  

'''Such a secondary position for women in society comes from the fundamental thought and premise that, behind every successful man there is a woman. This phrase by its implication means that the woman is always behind a man, supporting him, pushing him forward and allowing him to set the pace.'''

== Ardhangini ==

== Ardhangini ==

In contrast to this phrase, which denotes a secondary role for women, the Indian thought, expressed the relationship between man and woman through the word Ardhangini. Ardha means half or equal and angini comes from anga meaning part (of body). Thus women were considered literally as one who has an equal part or role in an effort and life of grihastha.  

In contrast to this phrase, which denotes a secondary role for women, the Bharat's thought, expressed the relationship between man and woman through the word Ardhangini. Ardha means half or equal and angini comes from anga meaning part (of body). Thus women were considered literally as one who has an equal part or role in an effort and life of grihastha.  

== Sama vs Saha ==

== Sama vs Saha ==

This equality was not limited by the word “equal but went beyond that into the realms of bringing out the best of the innate capability of each gender. In a couple, the woman is even today known as Sahadharmacharini, meaning one who is not just equal but complementary in carrying out their role of Dharma. There is a subtle essence conveyed in the usage of the words here. The word used for equal is Sama, whereas in the relationship between husband and wife it has been referred to as Saha, implying together, complement. This is because, the ancients, both the women and the men realised that by nature and by biological capacity, each gender has an innate strength and hence role to play in the sustenance of Nature and mankind, called Dharma. In this role play, one gender is not superior or inferior to another, causing the other gender to fight or claim for equality. Each gender is complementary to the other, based on their natural capability, capacity and role.   

This equality was not limited by the word equal but went beyond that into the realms of bringing out the best of the innate capability of each gender. In a couple, the woman is even today known as Sahadharmacharini, meaning one who is not just equal but complementary in carrying out their role of Dharma. There is a subtle essence conveyed in the usage of the words here. The word used for equal is Sama, whereas in the relationship between husband and wife it has been referred to as Saha, implying together, complement. This is because, the ancients, both the women and the men realised that by nature and by biological capacity, each gender has an innate strength and hence role to play in the sustenance of Nature and mankind, called Dharma. In this role play, one gender is not superior or inferior to another, causing the other gender to fight or claim for equality. Each gender is complementary to the other, based on their natural capability, capacity and role.   

The Indian thought went one step further and also depicted the divine couple Shiva and Parvati, in a human form of a man and woman complementing each other in the form of Ardhanari, ie. half woman. This would reemphasize and reiterate to common man on a daily basis the essence of the role of the man and woman as they hold the society together. This knowledge of this land through the ages, kept reinforcing the focus on saha, to be complementary and not just sama, equal.  

The Bharat's thought went one step further and also depicted the divine couple Shiva and Parvati, in a human form of a man and woman complementing each other in the form of Ardhanari, ie. half woman. This would reemphasize and reiterate to common man on a daily basis the essence of the role of the man and woman as they hold the society together. This knowledge of this land through the ages, kept reinforcing the focus on saha, to be complementary and not just sama, equal.  

== The Fertility Chain ==

== The Fertility Chain ==

== Celebrating Womanhood ==

== Celebrating Womanhood ==

During the colonial rule in India and many other places, the control of these four (lands, the water resources, the seeds and the cattle) were plucked from the women and given to men. This created not just inequality but disturbed the complementary balance from the Indian society. The concept of Saha was soon forgotten and equality became the need and the cry of the women, rightly so, in the 20th century. March 8th, soon became a day of rallying around, for some women organisations, as Women’s Day, in the 20th Century, to espouse the cry and need for equality by women.  

During the colonial rule in India and many other places, the control of these four (lands, the water resources, the seeds and the cattle) were plucked from the women and given to men. This created not just inequality but disturbed the complementary balance from the Bharat's society. The concept of Saha was soon forgotten and equality became the need and the cry of the women, rightly so, in the 20th century. March 8th, soon became a day of rallying around, for some women organisations, as Women’s Day, in the 20th Century, to espouse the cry and need for equality by women.  

This concept of equality as espoused in Woman’s Day celebrations, is actually alien to the nature of Nature itself and to those who are more in tune with this Nature.  

This concept of equality as espoused in Woman’s Day celebrations, is actually alien to the nature of Nature itself and to those who are more in tune with this Nature.  

Such festivals of our soil, bring back focus on Nature and the complementary nature of everything in Nature, including that between men and women.  

Such festivals of our soil, bring back focus on Nature and the complementary nature of everything in Nature, including that between men and women.  

In this 21st century, as India moves forward in the comity of nations, we need to recognise the importance of International Women’s Day in reminding us of the balance needed between genders. At the same time, we also have to bring about the awareness world over, of the concept of Saha or complementing nature of genders, that is at the root of Indian tradition. It is only this commitment to complement one another, that can usher in an era of togetherness and cooperation between the two genders, to make this world a truly happy place. A place, where everything in Nature is in its right place, eventually doing the right thing for Nature, which they are a part of.  An act of maintaining Dharma with one’s Sahadharmini. We need a Women’s Day today to celebrate and compliment this complementing nature in Nature.  

In this 21st century, as India moves forward in the comity of nations, we need to recognise the importance of International Women’s Day in reminding us of the balance needed between genders. At the same time, we also have to bring about the awareness world over, of the concept of Saha or complementing nature of genders, that is at the root of Bharat's tradition. It is only this commitment to complement one another, that can usher in an era of togetherness and cooperation between the two genders, to make this world a truly happy place. A place, where everything in Nature is in its right place, eventually doing the right thing for Nature, which they are a part of.  An act of maintaining Dharma with one’s Sahadharmini. We need a Women’s Day today to celebrate and compliment this complementing nature in Nature.  

== Complementary Nature in Nature ==

== Complementary Nature in Nature ==

One often hears in the English language, the remark, “Behind every successful man is a woman. This phrase conjures up an image of the woman being lesser than the male gender and playing only a supportive role, while the man is the achiever. In stark contrast to the above statement and view, in India and the Indian languages, the wife is called “Saha Dharmini, meaning one who is along with the man. This term implies that the wife and the husband are to go along in life together, performing their deeds together, towards leading a righteous life, pursuing the 4 goals of life namely, Dharma – which may be translated in a limited way, as righteousness, Artha – wealth, Kama – desires and pleasures and Moksha – liberation, salvation. Many commonly understand “Saha to mean equal. But there is a different word for equal, namely “Sama, meaning same level. So the term “Saha Dharmini must have a deeper connotation. In many languages brothers and sisters are called Sahodara and Sahodari respectively, meaning the ones who was born of the same mother as you, who bears and sharer the joys and burdens of a joint family.

One often hears in the English language, the remark, Behind every successful man is a woman. This phrase conjures up an image of the woman being lesser than the male gender and playing only a supportive role, while the man is the achiever. In stark contrast to the above statement and view, in India and the Bharat's languages, the wife is called Saha Dharmini, meaning one who is along with the man. This term implies that the wife and the husband are to go along in life together, performing their deeds together, towards leading a righteous life, pursuing the 4 goals of life namely, Dharma – which may be translated in a limited way, as righteousness, Artha – wealth, Kama – desires and pleasures and Moksha – liberation, salvation. Many commonly understand Saha to mean equal. But there is a different word for equal, namely Sama, meaning same level. So the term Saha Dharmini must have a deeper connotation. In many languages brothers and sisters are called Sahodara and Sahodari respectively, meaning the ones who was born of the same mother as you, who bears and sharer the joys and burdens of a joint family.

Saha seems to be more than just equal. Saha denotes a form of parternship, “co- as in cooperative, togetherness. And for a  partnership, togetherness and a cooperative effort to be successful, it calls for a sense of complementing one another to complete the task on hand effectively. The word Saha therefore denotes complementary, helping. If the two partners are just equals and have equal of everything, there definitely would be times when their strengths would add up and double the gains. But there would also be times when both would be found lacking and there would be great gaps and falls. While in the case of complementing, what one lacks, the other can provide, thus leaving no room for a gap in the collective unit. If every such, complete family unit were to complement each other in a collective living community, then there would be no gaps in the society, civilization as a whole too. Amongst equals, each tries to score over the other. Equals lead to competition, infights and separation.

Saha seems to be more than just equal. Saha denotes a form of parternship, co- as in cooperative, togetherness. And for a  partnership, togetherness and a cooperative effort to be successful, it calls for a sense of complementing one another to complete the task on hand effectively. The word Saha therefore denotes complementary, helping. If the two partners are just equals and have equal of everything, there definitely would be times when their strengths would add up and double the gains. But there would also be times when both would be found lacking and there would be great gaps and falls. While in the case of complementing, what one lacks, the other can provide, thus leaving no room for a gap in the collective unit. If every such, complete family unit were to complement each other in a collective living community, then there would be no gaps in the society, civilization as a whole too. Amongst equals, each tries to score over the other. Equals lead to competition, infights and separation.

In a complement, since each one is aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each other, they do not see any competition from the other. So complements lead to dependency, togetherness and partnership.

In a complement, since each one is aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each other, they do not see any competition from the other. So complements lead to dependency, togetherness and partnership.

This philosophy formed the basis for the framing of the various family models and the structure of the Indian society, in the days of the past.

This philosophy formed the basis for the framing of the various family models and the structure of the Bharat's society, in the days of the past.

By referring to a wife as a Saha Dharmacharini, Indian thought and ethos, thus stressed on the fact that men and women are complementary in nature to one another and can only collectively perform their righteous duties at 3 levels, namely for their,

By referring to a wife as a Saha Dharmacharini, Bharat's thought and ethos, thus stressed on the fact that men and women are complementary in nature to one another and can only collectively perform their righteous duties at 3 levels, namely for their,

home and family

home and family

society and community

society and community

culture and civilization

culture and civilization

We can see such a complementing nature at work in the whole of Nature.

We can see such a complementing nature at work in the whole of Nature.

Even the lion, the symbol of masculinity, relents to this driving force of Nature. It is the females in a pride of lions, who typically hunt and bring back food for the pride. However, it is the male, the lion who gets to eat first and the most, before the others get their share. This is in return for his role of keeping the pride together and safe. This is where, the term “lion’s share originated from.

Even the lion, the symbol of masculinity, relents to this driving force of Nature. It is the females in a pride of lions, who typically hunt and bring back food for the pride. However, it is the male, the lion who gets to eat first and the most, before the others get their share. This is in return for his role of keeping the pride together and safe. This is where, the term lion’s share originated from.

Amongst the birds, it is the male emperor penguin who takes over the baton from his female partner to hatch the egg and look after the young for months on end in the harsh, freezing Antarctic winter, while the female partner goes back to the sea, to replenish her store of energy and bring back food for the penguin chick.

Amongst the birds, it is the male emperor penguin who takes over the baton from his female partner to hatch the egg and look after the young for months on end in the harsh, freezing Antarctic winter, while the female partner goes back to the sea, to replenish her store of energy and bring back food for the penguin chick.

In the insect kingdom, all the bees, males included, work to the tunes of the Queen Bee.

In the insect kingdom, all the bees, males included, work to the tunes of the Queen Bee.

Ardhanaari

Ardhanaari

This is further exemplified and elaborated in the concept of the three feminine divinities, the wives of the three primary divinities, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, in the Indian pantheon of Gods.

This is further exemplified and elaborated in the concept of the three feminine divinities, the wives of the three primary divinities, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, in the Bharat's pantheon of Gods.

If we pause and observe intently,

If we pause and observe intently,

the wife of Brahma the creator, is Saraswathi, the embodiment of knowledge, for, in order to create, knowledge is a requisite and Saraswathi brings in this knowledge. The wife of Vishnu, the preserver, is Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth, for, in order to sustain and operate, wealth is a requisite and Lakshmi brings in this wealth. the wife of Shiva, the regenerator, recycler, is Shakthi, the embodiment of energy, for, in order to recycle i.e. destroy and recreate, energy is a requisite and Shakthi brings in that energy.

the wife of Brahma the creator, is Saraswathi, the embodiment of knowledge, for, in order to create, knowledge is a requisite and Saraswathi brings in this knowledge. The wife of Vishnu, the preserver, is Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth, for, in order to sustain and operate, wealth is a requisite and Lakshmi brings in this wealth. the wife of Shiva, the regenerator, recycler, is Shakthi, the embodiment of energy, for, in order to recycle i.e. destroy and recreate, energy is a requisite and Shakthi brings in that energy.

The masculine aspect in these concepts, denote a function in the cycle of the Universe, while the feminine aspect denotes the substance or resource required for this functioning.

The masculine aspect in these concepts, denote a function in the cycle of the Universe, while the feminine aspect denotes the substance or resource required for this functioning.

These feminine divinities were perhaps the earliest “Women of Substance.

These feminine divinities were perhaps the earliest Women of Substance.

This symbolism denotes the higher understanding in the civilization, that the functioning and the resources needed to function, coming together with a purpose, is what ensures successful completion of any activity.

This symbolism denotes the higher understanding in the civilization, that the functioning and the resources needed to function, coming together with a purpose, is what ensures successful completion of any activity.

The significance of this constellation is that when we join the two stars in the belly of the bear, they always point to the Pole Star in the North.

The significance of this constellation is that when we join the two stars in the belly of the bear, they always point to the Pole Star in the North.

This constellation is called Sapta Rishi mandalam in Indian astronomy and each of the seven prominent stars has been named after some of the prominent Rishi of India.

This constellation is called Sapta Rishi mandalam in Bharat's astronomy and each of the seven prominent stars has been named after some of the prominent Rishi of India.

One such star, at the tail, is called Mizar-Alcor in modern Astronomy. Since thousands of years, in Indian astronomy, this star has been known as Arundhati-Vasishta.

One such star, at the tail, is called Mizar-Alcor in modern Astronomy. Since thousands of years, in Bharat's astronomy, this star has been known as Arundhati-Vasishta.

Vasishta was one of the most accomplished Rishi and together with Arundhati, his wife, they were regarded as the most knowledgeable, much respected, ideal couple in Indian legends.

Vasishta was one of the most accomplished Rishi and together with Arundhati, his wife, they were regarded as the most knowledgeable, much respected, ideal couple in Bharat's legends.

Why a double name for this star?

Why a double name for this star?

After the invention of telescope, modern astronomers identified this star to be a double star. They also found that this system of double star is such that, it is not one star going around the other, which is the usual form of double star system. Instead, in Arundhati-Vasishta, the 2 stars go around each other, much as to how 2 people rotate and go around a common fixed spot in Phugadi, a game in India.

After the invention of telescope, modern astronomers identified this star to be a double star. They also found that this system of double star is such that, it is not one star going around the other, which is the usual form of double star system. Instead, in Arundhati-Vasishta, the 2 stars go around each other, much as to how 2 people rotate and go around a common fixed spot in Phugadi, a game in India.