A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.2040

c5.2040

The Sāma-veda Saṃhitā is wholly metrical. It contains 1549 verses, only seventy-eight of which have not been traced to the Rig-veda. The readings of the text in this Veda frequently differ, like those of the Yajur, from the text as found in the Rig, and Weber considers that the verses “occurring in the Sāma Saṃhitā generally stamp themselves as older and more original by the greater antiquity of their grammatical forms.” But this opinion is disputed. The verses of the Sāma have been selected and arranged for the purpose of being chaunted at the sacrifices or offerings of the Soma. Many of the invocations are addressed to Soma, some to Agni, and some to Indra. The Mantra or metrical part of the Sāma is poor in literary and historical interest, but its Brāhmanas and the other literature belonging to it are full and important.