Sama Veda Upakarma

Most of us know the vedas have been in existence through word of mouth and not created by man. But little does the current generation know about its golden past, meanings and many other things. Same do I. What I learnt is also by word of mouth - through swara or sruiti. Rig, Yajur and Atharva Vedis (Ones who practise those sects) celebrated Avani Avittam recently. However for sama-vedikas are to celebrate on Sep 10th (this year). Sama-veda is well known for its musical foundation, is said to be the base for Indian music too. This veda has three sects - Jaimini, Gowthama and Ranaiana. I am aware that all these three sects are dwindling.

Few years ago, when my father retired he took up the hard task of publishing the sama-vedic daily karmas such as sandhyvandanam etc. It took him an year or so to complete the book which includes the karmic duties of a brahmacharyam as well as grihastha based on Jaimini Sama. He has also included things like 'abivadhinam' (introduction). Abivadhinam is a sanskrit term equivalent to Introduction. When an indvidual meets an elder, it is a way of introduction that outlines his ghotra, his lineage and the vedic association prior to prostrating to the elder. This book is a very good handbook that also gives basics on 'Pariseshanam' 'Agnihotra', Historical references to Sama Vedikas etc. etc. At the moment we have a couple of copies left and there is no master-copy to reprint it.

This year I decided to scan the book and host the link. If people wish to download and use for their sama-upakarma, they could. Also if you are a sama-vedi, please write to me and I will be happy to be in touch with you. My intention is to bring a samelan of Sama-vedis to propogate the knowledge.

Step 1 is an introduction to upakarma and what it means.

Step 2 is the text for agni-krama. e.g. Samithdhanam for bramacharis or Owpasana for grihasthas

Step 3 is the text for Kamokarishin Japa, Maha-Sankalpam & finally yogyobhaveetham

Step 4 is the brhama-ygaya prayogam
btw (the zip files contain the pdfs which need to be rotated to read in a book mode)

Sanskrit equivalent for the year, month, day & star =
Vikruti-nama-Samvatsare (Vikruti named year)
Dhakishna-Ayne (When the earth is is on its southern sojourn)
Varusha-Rithu (Rainy Rithu)
Sraavana-Maase (Month)
Shukla-Paksha (Moon on Waxing State)
Thriuthiyam (Day - three)
Brihu-vasara (Friday)
Hastha Nakshthra (Star of Hastha)

(My friend partha has given london's location and I refer to his site for details)

So do why all this? Basically the tradition is that for six months from Avani to Thai months (Aug/Sep-Dec/Jan), one can learn vedas and then the next six months, it is said they should not learn BUT recite and memorise the ones that they have learnt. So when the next cycle starts, the vedas are to be begun again. However if someone does not do these kramas(duties), then to repent and re-initiate is through upakarma. Hence the importance of upakarma which is now referred as avani avittam. (If anyone wishes to have the full book, please write to me and I will photocopy and post it. - Appreciate if you can donate an amount to Thoohur pada sala in Trichy where Aacharyan Sri. Mahara Bhushnam teaches Sama Vedikas today.) I had been there a couple of years back and I got some videos. Will find and post them.

I intend to do properly this year and begin to learn vedas through CDs and online. People recommend to do through aacharyas and I am not gifted in the place where i live. However Vedas are set to be apourashya (not made by humans) and to be cognisicsed through sound. So I seek it through sound tracks online or through CD. I also intend to visit a near by temple and seek blessings from one of the priest to guide me. My intention is to make a start. Learning never ends, does it?