Sama Veda: A Vedic Literary Scripture of Hinduism

      Sama Veda is purely a liturgical collection. If Rig Veda is to be taken as recital praise of the Gods, Sama Veda will be called Veda of holy singing. As such, this Veda ranks next to Rig Veda in terms of sanctity and liturgical importance. The hymns of Sama Veda are chiefly used for chanting by Priests at the performance of important sacrifices where juice of soma, clarified butter, milk and other items are to be offered to various deities.

      The hymns in Sama Veda are used as musical notes. These are almost completely drawn from Rig Veda. Hence, these have no separate distinctive lessons of its own. In a way; Sama Veda is nothing but a reduced version of Rig Veda. Many people say that if Rig Veda is a 'word' than Sama Veda is a 'song for the same word'. Similarly; if Rig Veda is to be taken as knowledge, Sama Veda is truly its realization.

Sama Veda

      The collection is made of complete hymns, part of hymns and detached verses, which are all taken from Rig Veda and are transposed and rearranged to suit the particular ceremonies where the hymns are supposed to be used. In order that the original hymns of Rig Veda can be suited for the musical singing, the verses are altered suitably by prolongation, repetition of words, insertion of syllables, etc. Sama Veda contains melodies or musical chanting and that is why it is called as beginning of Indian musical arrangements. This laid the basis of Indian Classical music getting identified with our ancient religious practices.

      Sama Veda is also representative of the ecstasy of spiritual knowledge and the power of devotion to the Gods. There are three recensions of Sama Veda: Kauthuma which is popular in Gujarat and most part of north India, Ranayania, which is popular in north Karnataka and Jaiminiya or Jalavakra which is popular among Nambudri Brahmins of Kerala.

      Dated around BC 1200-1000, this is smallest of all Vedas and is principally based on songs and singing. Many mantras contain scientific knowledge which got grasped by scientists over thousands of years later, e.g., rotating earth, shining of moon based on sun light. Many mantras also include medical solutions. This Veda is supposed to be meeting point of Gyanyoga, Karma yoga and Bhakti yoga.