By: Rajendra Kapil

There is no devotee of Lord Rama like Hanuman. Lord Rama had complete faith in him. Hanuman was always ready to perform every task of Rama. That is why, when the entire Vanara army was planning the search for Sita, Lord Rama called only Hanuman aside and, expressing his trust, said: “Hanuman, when you meet Sita, give her this ring of mine as a token. She will recognize you as my trusted servant.” This very faith became Hanuman’s strength.

Devotees believe that Hanuman possessed many divine powers. He is known as the giver of Ashta Siddhi and Nava Nidhi. There are different views on how he attained these powers. Some believe he received them as a blessing from Mother Sita, while others say he acquired them through intense penance and learning from many gurus during his youth. It is also believed that he used these powers fully during the search for Sita. His eight siddhis are as follows:

1. 1. Anima 2) Mahima 3) Garima 4) Laghima 5) Prapti 6) Prakamya 7) Ishitva 8) Vashitva 

Let us understand these siddhis more closely. One important aspect is that despite possessing such great powers, Hanuman remained extremely humble. An example of his humility is given below. Once, after returning from Lanka, Lord Rama praised his strength:

“Kahu kapi Ravan palit Lanka, kehi bidhi dahahu durg ati banka”

Hanuman, how did you burn such a strong and well-guarded Lanka? Hearing this, Hanuman felt shy and replied, “Maharaj, this was all due to your grace. Otherwise, I am just an ordinary vanara who knows only how to jump on trees.”

“Sakhaamrig ki bad manusai, sakha te sakha par jai
So sab tav pratap Raghurai, naath na kachhu mori prabhutai”

Such loving and humble was Hanuman. We bow to his humility. Now, here are his siddhis:

Anima – The ability to make the body as small as an atom. Hanuman used this power while entering Lanka during the search for Sita. There was tight security at the gates, so he made himself as tiny as a mosquito to enter.

“Masak samaan roop kapi dharahi, Lankahi chaleu sumiri narahari”

Even then, he was noticed, and then he used his strength to enter Lanka. This shows his intelligence.

Mahima – With this siddhi, Hanuman could expand his body as desired. While going to Lanka, he met a demoness named Surasa, who was sent by the gods to test him. She tried to swallow him. As she opened her mouth, Hanuman entered and began expanding his body. Surasa also kept enlarging her mouth, but eventually she had to let him pass. Hanuman crossed this obstacle using this siddhi.

Garima – With this power, Hanuman could make his body extremely heavy. During the war between Rama and Ravana, he used this siddhi many times to defeat demons. At times, he became so heavy that enemies could not even move him or affect him with their attacks.

Laghima – With this siddhi, Hanuman could make his body extremely light. By becoming light like a leaf, he could fly instantly and complete tasks for Lord Rama. When Lakshmana became unconscious in battle, Hanuman flew to Lanka to bring Vaidya Sushena. Later, he flew to the Himalayas and brought the Sanjeevani herb to revive Lakshmana.

Prapti – This siddhi allowed Hanuman to obtain anything. However, he never used it for himself. He always used his powers in service of Lord Rama and for the welfare of devotees. Whoever accepts Hanuman as their deity receives his blessings.

Prakamya – This siddhi means fulfilling any desire. It is especially beneficial for devotees. Anyone who worships Hanuman with a pure heart has their wishes fulfilled. It is said that even great saints prayed to him in times of distress.

“Jo shat baar paath kar koi, chhootahi bandi maha sukh hoi
Sankat kate mite sab peera, jo sumirat Hanumat balbeera”

With this siddhi, Hanuman successfully fulfilled his mission of finding Sita in Ashok Vatika.

Ishitva – This represents divine power. Because of this siddhi, Hanuman is considered immortal and ever-present. He received this blessing from Mother Sita after delivering Lord Rama’s message.

“Ajar amar gun nidhi sut hohu, karahu bahut Raghunayak chohu
Karahu kripa prabhu as suni, nirbhar prem magan Hanumana”

Receiving this blessing, Hanuman was filled with joy.

Vashitva – The power to control others. Hanuman often faced deceitful and arrogant demons. To defeat them and uphold righteousness, he used this power when necessary. His purpose was always just, and therefore he was always victorious.

These are the eight siddhis of Hanuman, through which he possessed immense strength. From childhood, he was self-disciplined and devoted, which made him the foremost among the vanaras. We offer our respectful salutations to the great devotee of Lord Rama—Hanuman.