Vasishta, in Hindu mythology was chief of the seven venerated sages (or Saptharishi ) and the Rajaguru of the Solar Dynasty. He was famous for subduing the armies of Viswamitra. He had in his possession the divine cow Nandini who could grant anything to her owner.

Arundhati is the name of the wife of Vasishta. The star M101 of the stellar constellation Ursa Major is thought to Vasishta and the small one beside it as Arundhati.