The oldest religion Hinduism consists of the four main Vedas that dates back to ancient Indian time. The Vegas are Rigveda, Samaveda, YajurVeda, and AtharvaVeda. Out of all the four Vedas, Samaveda is the shortest among all and yet the most important religious scripture available today. In a way, Samaveda consists of most parts of the RigVeda and comprises several Hymns and verses to praise the highest deities.
The shortest and most important among all Samaveda contains a total of 1549 verses all belonging to praise Lord and teach us several things regarding rituals, culture, and an eternal devotion towards the highest deities.
Not just this only, there is more to learn about Samaveda related to its internal teachings, meaning, nature of significance, and the creator of this highly religious text.
An Introduction of Sama Veda
Sama Veda is all about religious texts that are basically chants and melodies, especially recited in favor of Lords and while performing a particular ritual. It was compiled way back in 1200 to 1000 BCE during the ancient period. Moreover, Samaveda has a divine status in Hinduism that allows all the religious people to worship all the highest deities in the world and undergo a spiritual significance by reciting the verses of this religious text.
In fact, the mention of Samaveda hymns was even used by Lord Krishna which is particularly mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita. Even Lord Krishan has described Samaveda to be the most important Vedic text available for all.
As the text is meant to perform religious situations in an appropriate manner, it has several verses inside that help to perform the ritual of Soma Sacrifice. On the other hand, the religiously rich text of the Veda has worshipping recitals in favor of deities like Soma, Agni, and Indra. Moreover, it even has prayers fully dedicated to invoking the Supreme being.
Another thing to notice about Samaveda is that the Veda is all centered around the worship of the Glorious Lord and Brahman in a significant manner.
Recensions in Sama Veda
The information of Samaveda is incomplete without knowing the type of hymns and recitals covered inside the religious text.
As per the considerations of Sage Patanjali, Samaveda consists of a total of 1000 recensions that are also known as Shakhas. At present, only three recensions have survived so far like:
* Jaiminiya
* Kauthuma
* Ranayania
Out of all the three mentioned above, Kauthama is the most important one which is further divided into two parts namely:
* Archika
* Gana
Even Archika has two parts like Purvarchika and Uttararchika
After that Purvarchika is further divided into the following types:
* Agenya 114 verses for Agni
* Aindra 352 verses for Indra
* Pavamana 119 verses for Soma
* Aranya 55 verses for Indra, Soma, and Agni
In terms of further division of Samaveda, Uttar Archika has a total number of 1225 verses. Gana has been divided into Prakriti Gana and Uhar Gana. Moreover, Samaveda also contains the special mention of Chandogya Upanishad and Kena Upanishad.
Literal Meaning of Samaveda
Now, you have become aware of the inside details of Samaveda. And, come to the point of understanding its literal meaning. So, let’s break the word Samaveda into Sama and Veda.
Sama means melody and Veda means knowledge. Together it creates a persona that Samaveda is one of the oldest Hindu religious texts that consist of enormous amounts of Vedic knowledge that can be recited in the form of melody only. The religious text has also been described as the Book of Song, Veda of Chants, and even Yoga of Song.
Another important thing to notice is that many words and parts of Samaveda have been taken from Rig Veda. So, all the 1900 verses inside the religious text are not simply recited by sung like a melody in the praise of God.
Complete Significance of Samaveda
There are melodies inside the Samaveda that can be recited in a melodious manner and gives you an enormous amount of information on the universal truth. The music of the religious text appears more like the vibrations of the cosmos.
There are innumerable levels of teachings adapted from Samaveda which is already mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita. So, here are some of the teachings of the book.
* It maintains cleanliness and lets the surroundings be disease-free.
* It says that one who does not keep Vrata will not accomplish anything in life.
* A person with a detailed set of knowledge is all great and full of wisdom.
* Performing virtuous deeds is great for anyone.
* The one who wears gems definitely possesses wealth.
* There is no way people with double standards will achieve anything in life.
* Let the Fire of Tapa shape you and achieve great height and success.
* Salvation is best achieved through the path of progress.
* Fire is pure and benedictory.
* Doing Yagya can enlighten the flames of consciousness inside the human mind.
* It is diligent to seek the deities’ blessings.
* A man with self-control can become the master of anything.
* Soma ignites the fire of enthusiasm to win ahead.
* A person who speaks the truth has an oratory full of honey.
* You should never be in the company of a person who hates knowledge.
* It is right to engage yourself inauspicious activities.
* Never ever listen to evil.
* Agni helps you settle down every day.
* You fight a battle every day.
* Adorn your way of speaking.
* Indra and Agni are the highest embodiments of joy.
* Never ever fall prey to your pride.
* Let the brilliant men of capabilities inspire us.
* The sun illuminates heaven.
* Move ahead and be a real winner.
* Protect the children from your own efforts.
* Look at the divine deeds of Lord Vishnu, follow, and contemplate them.
* With truth one can easily accomplish a great deal of deeds.
