Ashta Siddhi & Nava Nidhi: How Hanuman Got His Divine Powers | thespiritual.in

The Divine Boons of Hanuman: How He Received Ashta Siddhi and Nava Nidhi – Full Story

1. Introduction: Hanuman – The Epitome of Divine Power

Lord Hanuman, the mighty vanara warrior and greatest devotee of Lord Rama, is revered across Hinduism for his unmatched strength, wisdom, and supernatural abilities. His possession of Ashta Siddhi (eight mystic powers) and Nava Nidhi (nine divine treasures) makes him one of the most powerful beings in cosmic history.

But how did Hanuman acquire these powers? Who granted them, and why? This ultimate guide explores the complete story—from Hanuman’s birth to his role in the Ramayana—revealing the secrets behind his invincibility.

---

2. Hanuman’s Divine Origins: Birth and Early Life

Anjana’s Penance and Shiva’s Boon

• Anjana, a celestial nymph (apsara), was cursed to be born as a monkey on Earth.
• She performed intense penance to Lord Shiva, who granted her a divine son—an incarnation of Rudra (Shiva’s fierce form).
• Thus, Hanuman was born with innate divine energy (Shiva-Shakti).

The Curse of the Rishis and Vayu’s Intervention

• As a child, Hanuman was playful and once disturbed meditating sages.
• They cursed him to forget his powers until reminded by a guru.
• Vayu (Wind God), Hanuman’s spiritual father, intervened and ensured the curse had limitations.

---

3. Childhood Exploits: How Hanuman Gained His First Powers

Mistaking the Sun for a Fruit

• Baby Hanuman, feeling hungry, saw the rising sun (Surya) and thought it was a golden fruit.
• He leaped into the sky to grab it, causing chaos in the cosmos.

Indra’s Thunderbolt and the Gods’ Blessings

• Indra struck Hanuman with his Vajra (thunderbolt), injuring his jaw (hence the name Hanuman—"one with a prominent jaw").
• Enraged, Vayu withdrew all air from the universe, forcing the gods to apologize.
• To appease Vayu, the gods granted Hanuman multiple boons:
• Brahma: Immortality and protection from weapons.
• Shiva: Mastery over Ashta Siddhi and Nava Nidhi.
• Indra: Invulnerability to the Vajra.
• Agni: Immunity to fire.
• Varuna: Protection from water.
• Surya: Mastery of scriptures and divine knowledge.

---

4. The Complete List of Divine Boons Received by Hanuman

Deity	Boons Granted
Lord Shiva	Ashta Siddhi, Nava Nidhi, immortality, strength
Lord Brahma	Protection from death, mastery over all weapons
Indra	Invincibility against thunderbolt, enhanced strength
Agni	Immunity to fire
Varuna	Cannot be harmed by water
Surya	Mastery of Vedas, ability to change size at will
Vayu	Super-speed, ability to fly

---

5. Ashta Siddhi: The Eight Supreme Yogic Powers Explained

Hanuman’s Ashta Siddhi represents the highest yogic attainments:

1. Anima – Reduce to the size of an atom (used to enter Lanka secretly).
2. Mahima – Expand infinitely (used to grow giant while burning Lanka).
3. Garima – Become extremely heavy (to crush enemies).
4. Laghima – Become weightless (flying across oceans).
5. Prapti – Access anything desired (retrieving Sanjeevani herb).
6. Prakamya – Fulfill any wish (protecting devotees).
7. Ishitva – Divine lordship (control over elements).
8. Vashitva – Hypnotic power (subduing demons).

Yogic Connection: These siddhis are mentioned in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras as advanced spiritual achievements.

---

6. Nava Nidhi: The Nine Divine Treasures and Their Benefits

These treasures represent prosperity, wisdom, and divine grace:

1. Padma – Wealth and purity.
2. Mahapadma – Supreme fortune.
3. Makara – Protection from evil.
4. Kachchhapa – Stability and longevity.
5. Mukunda – Divine happiness.
6. Nanda – Eternal joy.
7. Nila – Wisdom and knowledge.
8. Shankha – Victory over enemies.
9. Kharva – Mastery over wealth.

Modern Application: Worshipping Hanuman can attract abundance and success.

---

7. Hanuman’s Powers in Action: Key Ramayana Moments

• Finding Sita: Used Anima Siddhi to shrink and enter Lanka.
• Lifting Dronagiri: Used Mahima to carry the mountain for Lakshmana.
• Burning Lanka: Used Agni’s boon to remain unharmed by fire.

---

8. Scientific & Yogic Interpretation of Hanuman’s Siddhis

• Anima Siddhi = Quantum physics (matter compression).
• Laghima Siddhi = Anti-gravity (levitation).
• Prapti Siddhi = Law of Attraction (manifestation).

---

9. How to Worship Hanuman for Siddhis & Nidhis

• Mantras:
• "Om Hanumate Namah" (for strength)
• "Om Shri Hanumate Rudratmakaya Hum Phat" (for siddhis)
• Rituals:
• Tuesday fasting (Mangalvar Vrat)
• Reading Hanuman Chalisa daily

---

10. Conclusion: Hanuman’s Legacy of Divine Power

Hanuman’s Ashta Siddhi and Nava Nidhi were rewards for his devotion, humility, and service. His story teaches that true power comes from faith and selflessness.

---

FAQs: The Divine Boons of Hanuman (Ashta Siddhi & Nava Nidhi)

1. Who granted Hanuman the Ashta Siddhi and Nava Nidhi?

Different traditions attribute these powers to different deities:

• Lord Shiva (as Hanuman is considered an incarnation of Rudra).
• Maa Sita (in Tamil and Bengali Ramayanas, she blessed him post-Lanka war).
• Other Gods (Brahma, Indra, Agni, etc.) granted him immortality and elemental protections.

2. What are the Ashta Siddhis, and how did Hanuman use them?

The Ashta Siddhis are eight supernatural powers:

1. Anima – Shrinking to atomic size (used to enter Lanka secretly).
2. Mahima – Expanding infinitely (grew giant to burn Lanka).
3. Garima – Becoming extremely heavy (crushed demons).
4. Laghima – Becoming weightless (flew across oceans).
5. Prapti – Acquiring anything (retrieved Sanjeevani herb).
6. Prakamya – Wish fulfillment (protected devotees).
7. Ishitva – Divine lordship (controlled elements).
8. Vashitva – Hypnotic control (subdued enemies).

3. What are the Nava Nidhis, and what do they symbolize?

The Nava Nidhis are nine divine treasures representing prosperity and spiritual abundance:

1. Padma (Lotus) – Purity & wealth.
2. Mahapadma (Great Lotus) – Supreme fortune.
3. Makara (Mythical sea creature) – Protection.
4. Kachchhapa (Turtle) – Stability & longevity.
5. Mukunda (Divine gem) – Eternal happiness.
6. Nanda (Bliss) – Joy & fulfillment.
7. Nila (Sapphire) – Wisdom.
8. Shankha (Conch) – Victory.
9. Kharva (Dwarf) – Mastery over wealth.

4. Did Maa Sita really give Hanuman these powers?

Yes! While most texts credit Shiva and other gods, certain South Indian and Bengali Ramayanas (like Kamba Ramayana) state that Maa Sita herself bestowed these powers upon Hanuman after the Lanka war as a motherly blessing.

5. How can devotees attain Hanuman’s Siddhis today?

While full Siddhis are rare, sincere devotion can bring blessings:

• Chant Hanuman Chalisa daily.
• Recite "Om Hanumate Namah" 108 times.
• Observe Hanuman Jayanti & Tuesdays with fasting.
• Serve selflessly (like Hanuman served Rama).

6. Are Hanuman’s powers scientifically possible?

Some interpret his Siddhis through yoga and quantum physics:

• Anima Siddhi = Quantum compression (shrinking atoms).
• Laghima Siddhi = Anti-gravity (levitation).
• Prapti Siddhi = Manifestation (Law of Attraction).

7. Why is Hanuman worshipped for success and protection?

His Nava Nidhis attract wealth, while his Ashta Siddhis grant strength and fearlessness. Devotees believe worshipping him removes obstacles (like how he helped Rama defeat Ravana).

8. What’s the difference between Siddhis and Nidhis?

• Siddhis = Spiritual powers (control over body, mind, and nature).
• Nidhis = Divine treasures (prosperity, wisdom, and protection).

9. Can women worship Hanuman for Siddhis?

Absolutely! Hanuman is a brahmachari (celibate) and grants blessings regardless of gender. Maa Sita’s role in his story also highlights divine feminine grace.

10. Did Hanuman ever misuse his powers?

No! Unlike Ravana (who misused boons for ego), Hanuman always used his powers for Dharma, proving that true strength lies in humility.

---

Final Thought

Hanuman’s Ashta Siddhi and Nava Nidhi were not just rewards—they were tools for serving God. His story teaches that divine powers come to those who are selfless, devoted, and righteous.

🔹 Want to deepen your connection with Hanuman?

Chant the powerful Hanuman Chalisa daily with devotion to receive his blessings!