What is Samved and what it say all about?

The Samaveda is the second of the four Vedas in Hinduism and is often called the “Veda of Melodies” or “Veda of Chants.” It focuses on musical chanting of hymns for use in Vedic rituals and yajnas (sacrifices).

What is the Samaveda?

Name meaning: "Sama" means melody or song, and "Veda" means knowledge — so Samaveda = Knowledge of Melodies.

It contains chants and tunes derived mostly from the Rigveda, but arranged for musical recitation.

Considered the origin of Indian classical music and devotional chanting traditions.

Contents of the Samaveda

Total Mantras: ~1,875 verses

Unique Verses: Only about 75 are original — the rest are borrowed from the Rigveda, mainly for musical chanting.

Structure:

1. Purvarchika (First Part) – Early chants used in rituals.

2. Uttararchika (Second Part) – Later chants focused on specific ceremonies and deities.

3. Ganas – Musical notations of how to chant each hymn.

4. Aranyakas & Upanishads – Attached later, with spiritual meanings (e.g., Chandogya Upanishad).

What does the Samaveda say or teach?

1. Worship through Music

Mainly hymns in praise of Agni (Fire God) and Soma (sacred drink).

Music is used to elevate the consciousness and invoke the deities during rituals.

2. Role in Yajnas (Fire Rituals)

Chanted by Udgātṛ priests (specialized singers) during Somayajnas.

Samaveda gives the melodic form of verses, while Rigveda gives the words.

3. Spiritual Meaning

Suggests that sound (nāda) is sacred and has power to connect with the divine.

Teaches the importance of devotion (bhakti) through singing.

4. Philosophical Insights

Through texts like the Chandogya Upanishad, it introduces:

Concept of Om as the cosmic sound

Meditation and self-realization

Unity of Atman (soul) and Brahman (universal spirit)

Summary Table

Aspect Description

Name Sama = Melody, Veda = Knowledge

Nature Collection of chants for rituals

Purpose Musical form of worship; ritual chanting

Main Deities Agni, Soma, Indra

Specialty Foundation of Indian music

Philosophy Power of sound, unity of soul and Brahman

Key Upanishad Chandogya Upanishad

Importance in Hinduism

Considered the heart of Vedic ritual music.

Played by the singers (Udgātṛ) in yajnas to purify the atmosphere and uplift the soul.

Highlights that devotion expressed through music is a path to the divine.

Music in Hinduism is considered as devine and Supreme lord. To attain higher state of spritual achievement. Some has to practice music with devotion. Many of devotees play specific types of musical instruments and sing divine songs well know as Bhajan. It is considered that music is accepted by supreme god ( parmeshwar) and loved by all Hindu deities. Hence, during aarti, maha aarti, devotees used to sing divine songs and blow instruments like conch, bells, mritang, drums etc.