Samaveda facts for kids

The Samaveda is a Hindu scripture. Its manuscripts come in many Indian writing styles. Above is Devanagari, and below is Grantha.

The Samaveda (which means "knowledge of melodies" in Sanskrit) is a very old and important book of songs and chants. It is a key part of the scriptures of Hinduism.

This book is one of the four main Vedas, which are ancient texts. It contains 1,549 verses, and most of them (all but 75) come from another Veda called the Rigveda. Different versions of the Samaveda have been found across India.

What is the Samaveda?

The Samaveda is known as the "Veda of melodies and chants." It is a special collection of hymns and verses meant to be sung during religious ceremonies. Think of it as an ancient songbook for spiritual practices.

When was the Samaveda written?

The oldest parts of the Samaveda might be from the same time as the Rigveda. However, the version we have today was put together around 1200 or 1000 BCE. This was around the same time as the Atharvaveda and the Yajurveda.

Important Teachings in the Samaveda

Two very important texts are found inside the Samaveda: the Chandogya Upanishad and the Kena Upanishad. These are considered primary Upanishads. They have greatly influenced many schools of Hindu philosophy, especially the Vedanta school. These texts explore deep ideas about life, the universe, and spiritual wisdom.

Samaveda's Influence on Music and Dance

The chants and melodies in the Samaveda are seen as one of the main sources for classical Indian music and dance. Many traditional Indian art forms trace their roots back to the sounds and rhythms found in this ancient Veda. The veena, an ancient stringed instrument, is even mentioned in the Samaveda.

Other Names for the Samaveda

Sometimes, the Samaveda is also called Sama Veda.

Images for kids

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  This map shows the geography of the Early Vedic period. Versions of the Samaveda from the Kauthuma (north India) and Jaiminiya (central India) regions have survived.

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  The veena (vīṇā) is an ancient musical instrument mentioned in the Samaveda.

See also

In Spanish: Sāmaveda para niños