‘Sam’ means recitation. Thus, the hymns included in the Sam Veda are meant for recitation during ritual sacrifices. In other words, the collection of hymns.for recitation is Sam Veda Samhita.
In order of importance the Sam Veda comes after Rig Veda and Yajur Veda. The Richayen incorporated in Sam Veda are mainly those of the Rig Veda.
Sam Veda consists of 1549 hymns or Richayen, of which 75 are exclusively of Sam Veda while the remaining ones are those of Rig Veda.
Sam Veda is believed to have 1000 branches, of which 13 are significant. However, only three such branches are available at present.
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They are (0 Kauthumiya (ii) Ranayaniya (iii) Jaiminiya. On the basis of these branches, Kauthumiya Samhita, Ranayaniya Samhita and Jaiminiya Samhita of Sam Veda are available which have their individual Brahamana, Aranyak and Upanishad.