"Siddhi" the degree for the Gods!

Remember in Ramayan when Lord Hanuman went to search for Mata Sita, he reduced his body size and entered Lanka. Again, He increased his body size to lift the entire Dronagiri mountain to obtain Sanjeevni herb to cater to Lakshman. Ever wondered how was he able to do it? And why was he the only one able to do it?

Well, it just wasn't magic, but these were the results of the abilities attained by Lord Hanuman after years of training, discipline, and ancient practices once followed and taught religiously in India and these now considered Godly and magical powers were then known as "Siddhis".

The mention of use of various Siddhi are mentioned quite generously in the Hindu texts but most of us have seen right past those considering them to be supernatural or simply Godly powers. Below is a list of a few Siddhis:-

1. Mahima(महिमा): Ability to increase one's size

2. Laghima(लघिमा): Ability to reduce one's weight to less than that of a feather

3. Anima (आणिमा): Ability to reduce one's size less than that of an atom

4. Garima(गरिमा): Ability to increase one's weight by an infinite amount

5. Prapti(प्राप्ति): Ability to attain and accomplish the task the mind desires, also gives the ability to foresee the future

6. Prakamya(प्रकाम्य): Ability to survive in unhabitable terrains

7. Ishtatva(ईशत्त्व): The one who attains this Siddhi is regarded and worshipped as a "God" 

8. Vashitatva(वशित्त्व): Ability to hypnotize anyone(humans, birds, animals, etc).

After knowing briefly about the above Siddhis, you would be able to identify a lot of cases throughout our rich history where these Siddhis were utilized.

Few examples:-

1. Vaman Avatar: When the Avatar of Lord Vishnu increased his size such that he could cover all the world and beyond within his 2 steps.

2. When Lord Hauman changed his shape to that of an old monkey and increased his body weight to break the pride of Bheem during Mahabharat.

There could be endless other instances of the utilization of these Siddhis which one can come across in our texts. You just have to look closely.

In a nutshell, Siddhis were the degrees of gods, not all were able to achieve those but Lord Hanuman had all 8 of those. That's why in Hanuman Chalisa you can find the mention of "Asht Siddi" ke data: Meaning one who possesses eight Siddhis.

On that note, kindly think of more uses that you recall of the use of Siddhis and share in the comment section.

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