The Samaveda-samhita has been highly extolled in our holy books. However, it is not considered as an independent work. 'Saa' means rik, a mantra of the Rigveda. 'Ama' means various kinds of musical notes. Hence a 'saaman' is a mantra of the Rigveda-samhita set to music. All such mantras of the Rigveda which are useful to the udgaatr-priest, have been brought together in this work.
Though it is said to have 1,000 saakhaas, only three are available now: Kauthuma, Raanaayaniya and Jaiminiyaa.
This Veda is divided into two parts: Aarchikaa and Uttaraarchikaa. The former contains 585 mantras and the latter 964, making a total 1,549. Out of these, except 75 mantras, the rest are taken from the Rigveda-samhitaa. As many as 272 mantras have been repeated twice. If these repetitions are also taken into account, then the number of mantras becomes 1,821. Another recension puts it at 1,875.
Unlike the mantras of the other three Vedas, the mantras of the Saamaveda, known simply as saamans, have seven svaras or musical scales, identical with the seven scales of classical music. It can thus be inferred that the origin of Indian classical music lies in the Samaveda.
There are several varieties of singing the saamans and they are given special names like Rathantara-saama, Brihat-saama and so on. It is a difficult art to learn and needs expert guidance.
Nine Braahmanas are attached to this Veda. Taandya-mahaa-brahmana is the biggest and the most important of them.
Only one Aaranyaka of this Veda is available now:Talavakaara or Jaiminiya Aaranyaka.Two well-known Upanishads, the Chaandogya and the Kena [also called Talavakaaropanishad] are also attached to the Saamaveda.
Nice blog & good post. overall You have beautifully maintained it, you must try this website which really helps to increase your traffic instantly. hope u have a wonderful day & awaiting for more new post. Keep Blogging!
June 4, 2010 at 4:40 AM