The Ashta Siddhi, mentioned in Hindu scriptures and texts, represents eight divine knowledges that grant individuals absolute power over all aspects of existence. While these siddhis may not be widely known among the general public, they are often encountered through recitations such as the Hanuman Chalisa or Ganesh Vandana. It is in the Hanuman Chalisa that Lord Hanuman is not only depicted as possessing the Ashta Siddhi but also as bestowing them upon his devotees.
According to Hindu scriptures, those who attain complete control over the siddhis can acquire the powers of demigods. The term “Ashta” itself means eight in Sanskrit, and thus, the Ashta Siddhis consist of Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Isitva, and Vasitva. Each siddhi governs specific aspects of nature or character, and mastering each one bestows a distinct and unique ability.
Ashta Siddhi – Eight Different Realizations
1) Anima (Small):
Anima, the first among the Ashta Siddhis, grants individuals the power to shrink their bodies. This siddhi enables the user to reduce their size at will, even to an atomic scale. However, it does not provide the ability to increase one’s body size. Lord Hanuman famously employed this siddhi while spying on Lanka in search of Mother Sita. By shrinking his colossal form to a miniature size, he remained undetected by the demons.
2) Mahima (Great):
Mahima, another Ashta Siddhi, bestows the ability to assume gigantic forms. It complements Anima, as Anima allows the user to shrink the body, while Mahima allows for the expansion of the body, even to celestial proportions. Lord Hanuman employed Mahima to increase his size and lift the Sumeru Parbat to retrieve the Sanjivani Booti, thereby saving the life of Lord Rama’s brother, Laxman. Lord Vishnu’s Bahaman avatar also utilized Mahima by expanding to a celestial scale and covering the entire cosmos in three steps.
3) Garima (Heavy):
Garima Siddhi empowers individuals to alter the weight of their bodies. Similar to the relationship between Anima and Mahima, Garima allows for weight increase but not decrease. Through this siddhi, one can increase their weight from a slight increment to an immeasurable extent, reaching a point of immovability. When Angat visited Ravana’s court, he challenged the warriors to move his feet, but none could do so due to his use of Garima Siddhi. Additionally, Lord Hanuman, disguised as an old monkey, asked Bhima to lift his tail, but by employing Garima Siddhi, Lord Hanuman made it impossible for Bhima to accomplish the task.
4) Laghima (Light):
Laghima Siddhi, in contrast to Garima, enables individuals to decrease their body weight. This siddhi reduces the weight to such an extent that the individual gains the ability to fly. Their weight can become as light as a feather, granting them levitation. Lord Hanuman and various demigods and demons possessed this siddhi and could soar through the skies.
5) Prapti (Gain):
Prapti Siddhi differs from the previous siddhis as it focuses on obtaining things external to the body. It grants individuals the power to instantly acquire the objects of their desire. Siddhi users can manifest anything they desire seemingly out of thin air. In ancient Hindu stories, various gods, demons, and demigods possessed this ability. Gods bestowed boons by conjuring gifts out of thin air, while demons manifested weapons from nowhere.
6) Prakamya (Desires):
Prakamya Siddhi encompasses a wide range of abilities. It enables individuals to dramatically increase their lifespan, practice teleportation, and even live underwater. In a general sense, Prakamya empowers users to adapt to various circumstances. Throughout history, numerous rishis, munis, and demigods possessed this Ashta Siddhi, allowing them to reside underwater and extend their lives to extraordinary lengths.
7) Isitva (Lordship):
Isitva Siddhi grants individuals the power to influence nature according to their will. When one attains this siddhi, the earth responds to their desires, the sky rains at their command, and the wind moves according to their gestures. Every natural phenomenon becomes responsive to their will. Many individuals throughout history possessed the power of Isitva, capable of causing instantaneous growth of trees or immediate rainfall, among other extraordinary feats.
8) Vasitva (Influence):
Vasitva Siddhi, the final of the Ashta Siddhis, bestows the ability to control the minds of both humans and animals. This power extends beyond influencing only human minds, allowing for the taming of wild animals and calming the minds of mentally disturbed individuals. Various avatars of Lord Vishnu exhibited this siddhi by instantly pacifying enraged animals and individuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ashta Siddhi represents eight divine knowledges described in Hindu scriptures and texts. These siddhis provide individuals with complete mastery over various aspects of existence. While they may not be widely known among the average people, they are often encountered in religious practices such as recitations or prayers. The Ashta Siddhi include Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Isitva, and Vasitva, each governing a specific aspect of nature or character.
These siddhis grant unique abilities to their users. Anima allows for the shrinking of the body, while Mahima enables the attainment of gigantic forms. Garima allows for the increase in weight, while Laghima decreases the body weight and grants the power of flight. Prapti focuses on obtaining external objects, and Prakamya provides a range of abilities such as extended lifespan, teleportation, and underwater living. Isitva enables the influence over nature, and Vasitva grants control over the minds of both humans and animals.
Throughout Hindu mythology, various gods, demigods, and legendary figures have been associated with these siddhis, showcasing their extraordinary powers. The Ashta Siddhi exemplify the profound knowledge and capabilities attributed to spiritual practices and divine intervention in Hindu traditions.