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 (अष्ट सिद्धि)—eight 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 (अणिमा)	Ability to reduce one’s size	Hanuman shrunk himself to enter Lanka unnoticed.
Mahima (महिमा)	Ability to become infinitely large	Hanuman expanded his form to challenge demons.
Garima (गरिमा)	Ability to become infinitely heavy	He made his tail so heavy that Bhima couldn’t lift it.
Laghima (लघिमा)	Ability to become lighter than the lightest	Hanuman flew across the ocean to Lanka.
Prapti (प्राप्ति)	Ability to obtain anything	Hanuman retrieved Sanjivani Booti to save Lakshmana.
Prakamya (प्राकाम्य)	Ability to fulfill any desire	He made impossible tasks possible with determination.
Ishitva (ईशित्व)	Supreme lordship	Hanuman had control over nature and celestial beings.
Vashitva (वशित्व)	Power to control and subjugate	He influenced and guided beings toward righteousness.

Significance of Ashta Siddhis in Hanuman Chalisa

The Hanuman Chalisa acknowledges Hanuman’s divine powers and states:

“अष्ट सिद्धि नव निधि के दाता, अस बर दीन्ह जानकी माता।”

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 (अणिमा) – The Power to Shrink

Anima allows one to reduce their body size to the smallest form, even as tiny as an atom.

📌 Example from Ramayana:
Hanuman used Anima to shrink his body and enter Lanka unnoticed while searching for Goddess Sita.

2. Mahima (महिमा) – The Power to Expand

Mahima is the ability to increase one’s size infinitely.

📌 Example from Ramayana:
Hanuman expanded himself to a gigantic size to burn Lanka with his tail and to defeat powerful demons.

3. Garima (गरिमा) – The Power of Heaviness

Garima allows one to increase their weight infinitely.

📌 Example from Mahabharata:
Hanuman lay his tail in Bhima’s path, challenging him to lift it. Bhima, despite his immense strength, couldn’t move it.

4. Laghima (लघिमा) – The Power of Lightness

Laghima grants the ability to become lighter than the lightest.

📌 Example from Ramayana:
Hanuman used Laghima to leap across the ocean from India to Lanka effortlessly.

5. Prapti (प्राप्ति) – The Power to Obtain Anything

Prapti allows a being to obtain anything desired.

📌 Example from Ramayana:
Hanuman traveled to the Himalayas and obtained the Sanjivani herb to revive Lakshmana.

6. Prakamya (प्राकाम्य) – The Power to Fulfill Desires

Prakamya is the ability to make any desire come true.

📌 Example from Ramayana:
Hanuman desired to serve Lord Rama forever, which led him to be immortal.

7. Ishitva (ईशित्व) – The Power of Lordship

Ishitva represents supreme lordship or control over nature and beings.

📌 Example:
Hanuman controlled celestial forces and removed obstacles from Rama’s path.

8. Vashitva (वशित्व) – The Power to Influence

Vashitva allows one to influence and control others.

📌 Example:
Hanuman influenced Vibhishana, Ravana’s brother, to join Lord Rama.

How Can Devotees Seek Hanuman’s Blessings?

1. Chanting Hanuman Chalisa

Reciting Hanuman Chalisa daily is believed to invoke Hanuman’s 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 Hanuman’s divine virtues.

Conclusion

Lord Hanuman’s 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 Hanuman’s blessings, devotees can overcome obstacles and achieve success in life.

May we all be blessed with Hanuman’s strength, wisdom, and unwavering faith! 🙏🚩