The Eight Siddhis (Ashta Siddhis) of Lord Hanuman are eight supernatural powers or divine perfections that Hanuman Ji is believed to possess fully, thanks to his unmatched devotion to Lord Rama.
These are referenced in the Hanuman Chalisa with the famous line: “Ashta Siddhi Nava Nidhi Ke Data, Asa Bar Dinha Janaki Mata (अष्ट सिद्धि नव निधि के दाता, अस बर दीन जानकी माता)“ — meaning Mother Sita blessed Hanuman with the ability to grant these eight siddhis and nine treasures to his devotees.
The 8 Siddhis and Their Meanings
Here is a clear list of the Ashta Siddhis:
- Anima (अणिमा) — The power to become as small as an atom or shrink one’s body to any minute size. Hanuman used this in Lanka to search for Sita discreetly without being noticed.
- Mahima (महिमा) — The power to become infinitely large or expand one’s body to gigantic proportions. Hanuman demonstrated this while leaping across the ocean and lifting mountains.
- Garima (गरिमा) — The power to become infinitely heavy or increase one’s weight immensely, making oneself immovable.
- Laghima (लघिमा) — The power to become weightless or extremely light, enabling levitation or effortless movement.
- Prapti (प्राप्ति) — The power to obtain anything desired or reach anywhere instantly (teleportation or acquiring objects at will).
- Prakamya (प्राकाम्य) — The power to fulfill any desire or live under any condition without obstruction; full control over one’s wishes.
- Ishitva / Isitva (ईशित्व) — Lordship or supremacy over nature and creation; the ability to command elements and beings.
- Vashitva / Vasitva (वशित्व) — The power to control the minds of others and subjugate all beings or forces.
Significance
These siddhis represent complete mastery over the body, mind, and universe. Hanuman, as a perfect yogi and devotee, attained them through devotion, brahmacharya and selfless service towards Lord Rama.
Devotees chant the Hanuman Chalisa believing that sincere worship of Hanuman Ji can help them receive blessings related to these powers (in a spiritual or metaphorical sense, such as inner strength, humility, and fearlessness).
Hanuman is also the bestower of Nava Nidhis (nine divine treasures), symbolizing material and spiritual prosperity.
