Samaveda
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
The Veda of melodies. Most of its verses come from the Rigveda and are set to chants (samans) sung during Vedic rituals.
| Tradition | Hindu (Vedic) |
|---|---|
| Type | Veda |
| Language | Vedic Sanskrit |
| Period | c. 1200–1000 BCE (scholarly estimate) |
| Composed or compiled by | Traditionally regarded as apaurusheya (not of human authorship) |
What it contains
- Verses, most of them taken from the Rigveda, arranged for singing.
- Melodies (ganas) sung by the udgatar priest during Soma rituals.
- Surviving recensions include the Kauthuma, Ranayaniya and Jaiminiya.
- Associated texts include the Chandogya and Kena Upanishads.
Significance
The Samaveda is traditionally seen as a root of Indian music. In the Bhagavad Gita (10.22), Krishna says, "Among the Vedas I am the Samaveda."