Sama Veda Samhita – Musical Foundation of Indian Vedic Tradition

 

Sama Veda Samhita – The Musical Veda

Importance

• Considered second only to the Rig Veda in ritual significance, but Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita places the Sama Veda above all four Vedas for its spiritual and musical power.
• Central to Yagas (sacrificial rituals), where Udgatri priests chant its hymns to invoke divine grace.

Nature of the Text

• Not an independent work; it compiles Rig Vedic mantras useful for chanting.
• Contains 1875 verses (Riks), of which all but 75 are traceable to the Shakalya Samhita of the Rig Veda.
• Saman: Rig Vedic mantra set to music, forming the basis of Indian classical music.
• Unique feature: seven svaras (notes), unlike the plain recitation style of other Vedas.

Divisions

• Ancient tradition speaks of 1000 Sama Veda Samhitas, but only three survive today.
• Broadly divided into:
• Purvarchika: Melodies based on single verses.
• Uttararchika: Melodies based on three verses.

Ritual Role

• Priest: Udgatri – sings the Samans during Yajnas.
• Purpose: To elevate the sacrifice with musical intonation, ensuring divine blessings.

Preservation & Recitation

• Lakshana Granthas aid memorization and recitation.
• Over time, Vedic accents were lost in some traditions:
• Sama Veda Brahmanas lost accents by the 7th century CE.
• Paippalada Samhita recited today in eka‑shruti (without accents).
• Madhyandina Samhita oral intonations differ from written accents.