What are the ashta Siddhis or eight supernatural powers?

The Ashta Siddhis are eight supernatural powers mentioned in Hindu scriptures and spiritual texts. These powers are associated with various deities and can be attained through rigorous spiritual practice.  

According to Hanuman Chalisa, Mother Janaki (Goddess Sita) granted the 8 Siddhis (supernatural powers) to Lord Hamuman along with the discreationary powers to further distribute these supernatural powers as a boon to anyone who deserves them. The Ramayana abounds with tales illustrating Hanuman’s mastery over each of these siddhis (occult powers).

Ashta Siddhis (Eight Supernatural Powers):

Anima

It’s the ability to become smaller than the smallest particle and reduce one’s body to the size of an atom or even smaller. It’s a mystical power associated with advanced yogic practices and is considered a sign of profound spiritual attainment. In Hindu mythology sages and ascetics who mastered Anima Siddhi through rigorous meditation, breath control, and other spiritual practices could traverse the universe effortlessly, and appear or disappear at will.

An example of Anima Siddhi in Hindu mythology is the story of Lord Hanuman who possessed the eight Siddhis, including Anima. It is said that Hanuman needed to cross the ocean to reach Lanka, hence he reduced his size and leaped from one floating stone to another, effortlessly traversing the ocean’s surface. Even once he reached the island, his small size allowed him to freely search for Sita without being detected by Lanka’s formidable defences. Thus Hanuman showcased his ability to manipulate his body at will. This not only highlights Hanuman’s extraordinary powers but also serves as a metaphor for the boundless potential within each individual to transcend physical limitations through spiritual practice and self-realization.

This use of Anima by Hanuman exemplifies the power and versatility of this Siddhi. It allows him to complete a seemingly impossible task – infiltrate a heavily guarded city –  and plays a crucial role in Rama’s ultimate rescue of Sita.

Also Read: Lesser known facts about Lord Hanuman #1

Mahima

This Siddhi grants the supernatural ability to expand one’s body to an infinite size. An example Mahima Siddhi in Hindu mythology is the story of the sage Agastya who was known for his yogic powers. Once sage Agastya visited the Vindhya Mountains, which was arrogantly obstructing the sun’s path and causing imbalance in the world. To teach Vindhya Mountains a lesson, sage Agastya, expanded his body to a colossal size using his Mahima Siddhi. Upon seeing Agastya’s immense form, the Vindhya Mountain humbly bowed down. Agastya instructed the mountain to remain bowed until his return, thereby preventing further growth.

Garima

This Siddhi gives the supernatural power to become infinitely heavy. An example Garima Siddhi is that of sage Markandeya who was known for his spiritual powers. As per legend, once the entire universe was getting submerged in water with the exception of sage Markandeya who kept meditating on a small patch of dry land. As the floodwaters rose, Lord Vishnu appeared before sage Markandeya in the form of a young boy. To test Markandeya’s devotion Lord Vishnu kicked a mountain and sent it hurtling towards the sage. In response Markandeya made himself incredibly heavy using his Garima Siddhi. As a resulted the mountain shattered into pieces on collusion without being able to move the sage even an inch. This tale demonstrates how Garima Siddhi grants the power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles as well as the ability to withstand immense pressure and adversity.  

Laghima

Laghima gives the supernatural ability to become weightless or lighter than air. Practitioners of this Siddhi can make their bodies as light as a feather and float effortlessly. An example of Laghima Siddhi involves the Lord Hanuman, who was tasked to get Sanjivani herb to revive Lakshmana, who lay unconscious on the battlefield. The herb was located on Mount Dronagiri in the Himalayas, far to the north. Lord Hanuman used Laghima Siddhi which made his body incredibly light and weightless. So, with the help of this extraordinary agility, Hanuman reached Mount Dronagiri and returned to the battlefield in time to save Lakshmana’s life. This tale not only demonstrates Hanuman’s mastery over Laghima Siddhi but also highlights his unwavering devotion and selflessness in serving his Lord. It symbolizes the idea that with spiritual attainment and dedication, one can transcend the limitations of the physical body and perform miraculous feats for the greater good.

Also Read: Why do people love Hanuman?

Prapti

This Siddhi allows one to attain anything they desire, regardless of distance or obstacles. An example of Prapti Siddhi involves sage Vishwamitra who, through his intense penance and spiritual practices, attained various divine powers and sought Lord Rama’s assistance in protecting a ritual he was conducting from disruptions by the demons. To reach the venue Vishwamitra and Rama had to traverse dense forests and treacherous terrains. So Vishwamitra used his Prapti Siddhi to effortlessly transport himself and Lord Rama, to the ritual site bypassing all obstacles and dangers on the way.  

Prakamya

Prakamya, is one of the Ashta Siddhis that grants the practitioners the supernatural ability to manifest their wishes and fulfil their desires without any delay. An example that illustrates Prakamya Siddhi involves the sage Durvasa known for his short temper and spiritual prowess. Once Durvasa visited the court of King Ambarisha who extended a warm welcome and invited Durvasa to partake a grand feast as a mark of respect. However, before the sage could have his ritualistic bath and start the meal, the auspicious time for Durvasa’s bath came to an end. Durvasa expressed his dilemma to King Ambarisha, who after a moment of quick thinking took a small sip of water symbolically breaking his fast to accommodate the sage’s schedule. Despite the breach of protocol, Durvasa was pleased by King Ambarisha’s gesture and about to bless him. However, suddenly Durvasa’s anger flared up, and he cursed the king. To protect King Ambarisha from the wrath of the curse, sage Durvasa used his divine power of Prakamya Siddhi which made the Sudarshana Chakra (the celestial discus of Lord Vishnu) manifest immediately and save King Ambarisha at the spur of the moment. This tale demonstrates how Prakamya Siddhi allows one’s desires to be fulfilled instantaneously and  highlights the importance of humility, quick thinking, and divine intervention in mitigating potential conflicts and ensuring positive outcomes.

Ishitva

Ishitva, refers to the supernatural ability to control the forces of nature. Those who attain this Siddhi can manipulate and govern natural elements, phenomena, and cosmic forces. An example that illustrates the power of Ishitva Siddhi involves Indra, the king of the gods and the ruler of the heavens. There are numerous instances of Indra exercising his authority over various natural forces in the Vedas and Puranas. For instance, Indra is often depicted as wielding the Vajra (thunderbolt), a celestial weapon associated with lightning and storms. The Vajra supposedly controls and directs the powers of thunder and lightning, symbolizing his mastery over the atmospheric elements. This example demonstrates how Ishitva Siddhi empowers the practitioner to govern and harmonize the elemental and cosmic energies, thereby contributing to the balance and order of the natural world. Indra’s authority over the forces of nature is often depicted as both benevolent and protective, as he is believed to use his powers to uphold dharma (righteousness) and safeguard the welfare of the universe and its inhabitants.

Vashitva

Vashitva Siddhi refers to the supernatural ability to control all living beings. It grants the practitioner the power to influence and manipulate the actions, thoughts, and behaviors of living beings, including humans, animals, and other entities. An example of Vashitva Siddhi involves Narada Muni a revered sage and a celestial musician known for his devotion to Lord Vishnu and his role as a divine messenger. The Hindu scriptures and epics cite many instances where Narada Muni is depicted as possessing the ability to control other beings through his spiritual prowess and divine knowledge. He is often portrayed as influencing the minds and actions of gods, demons, kings, and ordinary individuals to serve the higher purpose of dharma (righteousness) and spiritual evolution. One famous incident involving Narada Muni’s mastery over Vashitva Siddhi is found in the Mahabharata in which Narada plays a crucial role in guiding and influencing the events leading to the Kurukshetra war. Through his interactions with various characters, Narada subtly steers their actions and decisions in alignment with the divine plan, thereby fulfilling Lord Vishnu’s cosmic design. He uses his power to inspire and guide beings towards their spiritual growth and the fulfilment of their destinies.