- An extension to Rigveda with only 75 new suktas.
- The Samaveda is shortest of all the four Vedas. It consists of 1549 verses.
- It is closely connected with the Rigveda.
- The Samhita of the Samaveda is an independent collection; however, it has incorporated a significant number of verses, many indeed, from the Samhita of the Rigveda. These verses are chiefly derived from the eighth and the ninth Mandalas of the Rigveda.
- The Samaveda is compiled exclusively for ritual application, for its verses are all meant to be chanted at the ceremonies of the Soma-sacrifice and procedures derived from it.
- The Samaveda is specifically intended for the Udagatr priest. Its verses take on their distinctive character of musical samans or chants when incorporated into various songbooks known as Ganas. According to the Jaiminiya Sutra, 'Melody is called Saman.'
- Sama Veda is exclusively compiled for ritual application. Its verses were chanted at the ceremonies such as the Soma-sacrifice. It praises deities such as Indra, Agni, and Soma. Moreover, its prayers are dedicated to invoking the Supreme Being. It mostly contains hymns dedicated to Sun God.
- The major theme is centered on worship and devotion. It believes that the Glorious Lord and Brahman are attainable only through devotion and musical chanting.
- According to Sage Patanjali, the Samaveda had 1000 recensions (Shakhas). However, as of now, only three recensions have survived. These are known as: (1) Kauthuma (2) Jaiminiya (3) Ranayaniya.
- Kauthuma Shakha is known more prominently. The Samaveda- Samhita of Kauthumas, consists of two parts, Archika and gana.
- It talks about the appearance and disappearance of Sarasvati River.
Teaching of Sama Veda:
- The hymns of Sama Veda, when sung in the appropriate manner, enable you to understand the universal truths. In fact, the musical patterns in Samaveda have been derived from the vibrations of the cosmos.
- It helps you to attain spiritual evolution through music. It represents the force of spiritual knowledge.
Some other teachings of Sama Veda include:
- Through cleanliness, you can keep away diseases
- One who does not keep “Vrata” can never accomplish anything
- A scholar of knowledge can defeat all his enemies
- One who wears gems possesses wealth
- People who have double standards never experience happiness
- “Fire of Tapa” helps you to achieve great heights
- Salvation can be achieved through the path of progress
- A man with self-control becomes the master
- Yagya enlightens the flames of consciousness in the human’s mind