Hanuman Chalisa: Secrets of Ashta Siddhis & Nava Nidhis

Hanuman Chalisa Mantra: Unlocking the Secrets of Ashta Siddhis and Nava Nidhis

The Hanuman Chalisa, composed by Goswami Tulsidas, is one of the most revered texts in Hinduism. Its verses are filled with divine wisdom, celebrating the strength, devotion, and valor of Lord Hanuman. Among its many references, the line "Ashta Siddhi Nav Nidhi Ke Data, As Var Deen Janaki Mata" stands out for its profound significance. This verse reveals that Hanuman Ji was blessed with the eight siddhis (Ashta Siddhis) and nine treasures (Nava Nidhis) by Mother Sita.

This article explores the meaning and importance of these mystical gifts, their descriptions in Hindu scriptures, and their deeper spiritual and practical significance.

Understanding the Ashta Siddhis and Nava Nidhis

Hanuman Ji as the Bestower of Siddhis and Nidhis

The line from the Hanuman Chalisa directly connects Lord Hanuman with the power to grant the Ashta Siddhis and Nava Nidhis to his devotees. This divine ability was a boon from Sita Mata, reflecting her acknowledgment of Hanuman’s unwavering devotion and unparalleled service.

The blessings are also described in other texts such as the Ramcharitmanas and the Vinay Patrika. In the Sundara Kanda of the Ramcharitmanas, Sita Mata says:

"May old age never touch you; may you become immortal, may you possess every good quality, every Nidhi and Siddhi, and may Lord Rama always be gracious upon you."

This blessing highlights the eternal nature of Lord Hanuman and his role as a divine protector and guide for devotees.

The Ashta Siddhis (Eight Supernatural Powers)

The Ashta Siddhis are supernatural powers that symbolise mastery over nature and the physical world. These are described in various Hindu scriptures, including the Hanuman Chalisa, Markandeya Purana, and Brahmavaivarta Purana. Let us delve into these eight powers:

Anima (Ability to Shrink)

• Meaning: The power to reduce one's physical form to the smallest size, even to the size of an atom.

• Hanuman’s Use: Hanuman demonstrated this siddhi when he shrank his size to enter Lanka undetected by Ravana's guards.

Mahima (Ability to Expand)

• Meaning: The ability to increase one's size infinitely.

• Hanuman’s Use: He utilised this power to assume a gigantic form during battles, intimidating and overpowering enemies.

Garima (Ability to Become Heavy)

• Meaning: The ability to increase body weight to immovable proportions.

• Hanuman’s Use: Hanuman used this siddhi to anchor himself firmly on the ground, resisting any attempts to displace him.

Laghima (Ability to Become Light)

• Meaning: The power to become weightless and travel effortlessly through the air.

• Hanuman’s Use: His lightness allowed him to leap across the ocean to Lanka and perform aerial feats.

Prapti (Ability to Obtain Anything)

• Meaning: The ability to acquire anything, regardless of its location.

• Hanuman’s Use: Hanuman exemplified this siddhi when he located the Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshmana.

Prakamya (Fulfillment of Desires)

• Meaning: The power to fulfill one’s own desires or those of others.

• Hanuman’s Use: He granted the wishes of devotees and ensured their spiritual growth.

Ishitva (Supremacy Over Nature)

• Meaning: The power to control natural forces and command elements.

• Hanuman’s Use: He subdued the forces of fire and ensured the safe burning of Lanka without harming the innocent.

Vashitva (Control Over Beings)

• Meaning: The ability to influence and control others.

• Hanuman’s Use: Hanuman used this power to sway Ravana’s court and protect Sita Mata.

The Nava Nidhis (Nine Treasures)

The Nava Nidhis are nine types of wealth that symbolise abundance and prosperity. These treasures are not limited to material wealth but also include spiritual and emotional richness. The Puranas describe these treasures as divine boons guarded by Kubera, the god of wealth.

The Nine Nidhis in Detail

1. Padma Nidhi:

   • Symbolises virtue and generosity.

   • Represents wealth used for righteous and charitable purposes.

2. Mahapadma Nidhi:

   • Denotes immense wealth and purity.

   • Represents resources dedicated to religious and spiritual causes.

3. Shankha Nidhi:

   • Symbolises fame and authority.

   • Represents the legacy and achievements that inspire future generations.

4. Mukunda Nidhi:

   • Reflects luxury and royal abundance.

   • Represents comfort and fulfilment in life.

5. Nanda Nidhi:

   • Denotes familial prosperity and stability.

   • Symbolises the foundation of generational wealth.

6. Makara Nidhi:

   • Represents military power and protection.

   • Symbolises strength in safeguarding oneself and others.

7. Kachhapa Nidhi:

   • Reflects self-sufficiency and resourcefulness.

   • Symbolises wealth used for personal needs.

8. Neela Nidhi:

   • Symbolises wisdom and intelligence.

   • Represents the wealth of knowledge that sustains generations.

9. Kharva Nidhi:

   • Denotes balance and moderation.

   • Represents wealth that brings harmony and inner peace.

Significance of Ashta Siddhis and Nava Nidhis in Devotion

The Ashta Siddhis and Nava Nidhis bestowed upon Lord Hanuman highlight his supreme mastery over material and spiritual realms. For devotees, these blessings symbolise the ultimate harmony between physical strength, mental clarity, and spiritual fulfillment.

Spiritual Lessons

1. Detachment:
   While Hanuman possessed extraordinary powers and wealth, he remained humble and unattached, showing the importance of selflessness.

2. Service to Others:
   Hanuman used his powers to serve Lord Rama and protect others, emphasising the value of devotion and service.

3. Balance:
   The treasures and powers signify the balance between material prosperity and spiritual enlightenment.

References to Siddhis and Nidhis in Scriptures

1. Hanuman Chalisa: The line "Ashta Siddhi Nav Nidhi Ke Data" directly references Hanuman as the possessor and grantor of these blessings.

2. Ramcharitmanas (Sundara Kanda): Mentions the blessing given by Sita Mata.

3. Markandeya Purana & Brahmavaivarta Purana: Detail the characteristics of siddhis and nidhis.

The Ashta Siddhis and Nava Nidhis bestowed upon Hanuman Ji signify his unparalleled devotion, strength, and mastery over all realms. By understanding the meaning and importance of these blessings, devotees can draw inspiration to lead balanced and purposeful lives, combining spiritual pursuits with worldly responsibilities.

References

1. Goswami Tulsidas, Hanuman Chalisa.

2. Ramcharitmanas (Sundara Kanda) by Goswami Tulsidas.

3. Markandeya Purana.

4. Brahmavaivarta Purana.

5. Swami Sivananda, The Powers of Siddhis.

6. Personal interpretations and traditional commentaries on Hanuman Ji's life and powers.