Bharatiya Jyotihshastra (History of Indian Astronomy), translated by R. V. Vaidya v2.c12.s10.35

v2.c12.s10.35

From all considerations, it appears that although there may be a difference of opinion regarding the number of stars in each nakṣatra (asterism) there is no difference of opinion as regards the identification of any ‘cluster of stars.’ The word ‘śata’ (hundred) in the name śatabhiṣak’ has led to the misunderstanding that it contains 100 stars and hence the name Śatabhiṣak was changed into Śatatārā. But this belief seems to have been current since the time of VARĀHA MIHIRA. Similarly, in the opinion of all, the latitude of the junction star of Revati is zero ; and the longitude also is very nearly zero. Hence, there is no difference of opinion about the junction star of Revati. There are several stars situated near it in the cluster forming the shape of a Mṛdaṅga (tabor). But it is not that they are exactly 32. It is not known on what basis the number was fixed ; but this number too has been handed down from VARĀHA’S TIME. If the regions occupied by all the remaining nakṣatras in the sky be seen, it will be found that every assumption regarding the number of stars has some basis or other. Hence the numbers of all authors are justifiable.