Ashta Siddhi of Lord Hanuman: 8 Divine Powers & Their Meaning
Lord Hanuman is one of the most revered deities in Hindu mythology. Known for his immense strength, devotion to Lord Rama, and selfless service, Hanuman is also believed to possess Ashta Siddhis (рдЕрд╖реНрдЯ рд╕рд┐рджреНрдзрд┐)тАФeight divine supernatural powers. These abilities enable him to defy physical laws, symbolizing his mastery over nature and spirituality.
According to the Hanuman Chalisa, composed by Sant Tulsidas, Hanuman not only possesses these Ashta Siddhis but also has the ability to bestow them upon his devotees. This aspect makes him one of the most powerful divine beings in Hinduism.
In this blog, we will explore the Ashta Siddhis of Lord Hanuman, their significance, and how devotees can seek his blessings.
What are Ashta Siddhis?
The Ashta Siddhis are eight supernatural abilities described in ancient Hindu texts like the Puranas and Vedas. These powers are believed to be attained through deep meditation, devotion, and divine blessings.
Here are the eight siddhis that Lord Hanuman possesses:
Siddhi | Meaning | How Hanuman Used It |
---|---|---|
Anima (рдЕрдгрд┐рдорд╛) | Ability to reduce one’s size | Hanuman shrunk himself to enter Lanka unnoticed. |
Mahima (рдорд╣рд┐рдорд╛) | Ability to become infinitely large | Hanuman expanded his form to challenge demons. |
Garima (рдЧрд░рд┐рдорд╛) | Ability to become infinitely heavy | He made his tail so heavy that Bhima couldnтАЩt lift it. |
Laghima (рд▓рдШрд┐рдорд╛) | Ability to become lighter than the lightest | Hanuman flew across the ocean to Lanka. |
Prapti (рдкреНрд░рд╛рдкреНрддрд┐) | Ability to obtain anything | Hanuman retrieved Sanjivani Booti to save Lakshmana. |
Prakamya (рдкреНрд░рд╛рдХрд╛рдореНрдп) | Ability to fulfill any desire | He made impossible tasks possible with determination. |
Ishitva (рдИрд╢рд┐рддреНрд╡) | Supreme lordship | Hanuman had control over nature and celestial beings. |
Vashitva (рд╡рд╢рд┐рддреНрд╡) | Power to control and subjugate | He influenced and guided beings toward righteousness. |
Significance of Ashta Siddhis in Hanuman Chalisa
The Hanuman Chalisa acknowledges HanumanтАЩs divine powers and states:
“рдЕрд╖реНрдЯ рд╕рд┐рджреНрдзрд┐ рдирд╡ рдирд┐рдзрд┐ рдХреЗ рджрд╛рддрд╛, рдЕрд╕ рдмрд░ рджреАрдиреНрд╣ рдЬрд╛рдирдХреА рдорд╛рддрд╛ред”
Translation:
“You are the bestower of the eight siddhis and nine nidhis, as blessed by Mother Sita.”
This means Hanuman not only possesses these divine abilities but also has the power to bless his devotees with them.
8 Siddhis of Lord Hanuman in Detail
1. Anima (рдЕрдгрд┐рдорд╛) тАУ The Power to Shrink
Anima allows one to reduce their body size to the smallest form, even as tiny as an atom.
ЁЯУМ Example from Ramayana:
Hanuman used Anima to shrink his body and enter Lanka unnoticed while searching for Goddess Sita.
2. Mahima (рдорд╣рд┐рдорд╛) тАУ The Power to Expand
Mahima is the ability to increase one’s size infinitely.
ЁЯУМ Example from Ramayana:
Hanuman expanded himself to a gigantic size to burn Lanka with his tail and to defeat powerful demons.
3. Garima (рдЧрд░рд┐рдорд╛) тАУ The Power of Heaviness
Garima allows one to increase their weight infinitely.
ЁЯУМ Example from Mahabharata:
Hanuman lay his tail in BhimaтАЩs path, challenging him to lift it. Bhima, despite his immense strength, couldnтАЩt move it.
4. Laghima (рд▓рдШрд┐рдорд╛) тАУ The Power of Lightness
Laghima grants the ability to become lighter than the lightest.
ЁЯУМ Example from Ramayana:
Hanuman used Laghima to leap across the ocean from India to Lanka effortlessly.
5. Prapti (рдкреНрд░рд╛рдкреНрддрд┐) тАУ The Power to Obtain Anything
Prapti allows a being to obtain anything desired.
ЁЯУМ Example from Ramayana:
Hanuman traveled to the Himalayas and obtained the Sanjivani herb to revive Lakshmana.
6. Prakamya (рдкреНрд░рд╛рдХрд╛рдореНрдп) тАУ The Power to Fulfill Desires
Prakamya is the ability to make any desire come true.
ЁЯУМ Example from Ramayana:
Hanuman desired to serve Lord Rama forever, which led him to be immortal.
7. Ishitva (рдИрд╢рд┐рддреНрд╡) тАУ The Power of Lordship
Ishitva represents supreme lordship or control over nature and beings.
ЁЯУМ Example:
Hanuman controlled celestial forces and removed obstacles from RamaтАЩs path.
8. Vashitva (рд╡рд╢рд┐рддреНрд╡) тАУ The Power to Influence
Vashitva allows one to influence and control others.
ЁЯУМ Example:
Hanuman influenced Vibhishana, RavanaтАЩs brother, to join Lord Rama.
How Can Devotees Seek HanumanтАЩs Blessings?
1. Chanting Hanuman Chalisa
Reciting Hanuman Chalisa daily is believed to invoke HanumanтАЩs blessings and protection.
2. Observing Hanuman Jayanti
On Hanuman Jayanti, devotees fast and visit temples to seek his grace.
3. Offering Sindoor and Laddoo
Hanuman loves sindoor (vermilion) and laddoos. Offering these brings prosperity and protection.
4. Practicing Devotion and Strength
Living a life of devotion, courage, and selflessness aligns devotees with HanumanтАЩs divine virtues.
Conclusion
Lord HanumanтАЩs Ashta Siddhis are not just supernatural abilities but also symbolize mental and spiritual mastery. These powers highlight the limitless potential of devotion and determination. By invoking HanumanтАЩs blessings, devotees can overcome obstacles and achieve success in life.
May we all be blessed with HanumanтАЩs strength, wisdom, and unwavering faith! ЁЯЩПЁЯЪй