Mrigaseerisham in between Taurus (Vrishabam) and Gemini (Mithunam) captured with mobile astrophotography
Mrigaseerisham is traditionally defined as a mansion of three stars. This lunar mansion has two padas in Vrishabam and two padas in Mithunam
Our 12 Zodiac Signs or Rashis as we have been seeing are
1. Aries or Mesham
2. Taurus or Vrishabam,
3. Gemini or Mithunam
4. Cancer or Katakam
5. Leo or Simham
6. Virgo or Kanya
7. Libra or Tula
8. Scorpio or Vrishchikam
9. Sagittarius or Dhanusu
10. Capricorn or Makaram
11. Aquarius or Kumbham
12. Pisces or Meenam
It is surprising that the lunar mansion actually maps with the stars in Orion constellation and not the Taurus or Gemini constellation.
Mrigashiras Nakshatra is associated with month of Maargashira where, on full moon day, moon will be near Mrigashira Nakshatra. This approximates to month of December. The Zodiac name Vrishbha suggests a bull with horns, and Mrigashiras is the head of the bull. With El Nath in the horns of the bull and with Al Maison as the λ Orionis , the prominent star of this lunar mansion is indeed Elnath with a magnitude of +1.65 . If a single star has to be identified as representing Mrigashira Nakshatra, best candidate is 112b Tauri -Elnath. I was not able to capture the Elnath star in the Taurus constellation , so have presented the λ Orionis , Al maison for you. Phi1 and Phi 2 is a two star system with negligible magnitude.
Mrigaseerisha has these 3 stars:
Elnath= magnitude +1.65
Phi1 Orionis =+2.98
Phi 2 Orionis = +4.38
There is a strong reason for tagging all these pictures as SkyDurga(and it is not for preserving my work :-) ). This knowledge about Vedic astronomy, star names of zodiac constellations is present in the Universe already. It is my humble salute and respect to this Multiverse as SkyDurga that allows me to seek, capture, pursue and learn it in this way. I personally feel, only such an attitude filled with gratitude and humility can allow us to pursue more, explore more and share more. Otherwise we tend to start thinking we are doing everything ourselves which stops our learning process altogether. Have a great day :-) We will see the great thiruvaadhirai nakshatra next. (Aardhra star)
