Samaveda
The Veda of melodies, the hymnal of the sacrificial chant and the root of Indian sacred music.
Core Characteristics
- Some 1,875 verses, almost all drawn from the Rigveda but arranged for singing at the Soma ritual.
- Its notation of musical pitches makes it the oldest document of Indian music.
- The Udgatr priest sang the Samaveda at the sacrifice, its melodies animating the rite.
Related Concepts & Sources
Vedas, Sacrifice, Divine Music