What Is Ashta Siddhi in Sanatan Dharma?
By Subhalakshmi's Sanatan World
Introduction
In the spiritual traditions of Sanatan Dharma and classical yoga, the concept of Ashta Siddhi holds a fascinating place. These eight Siddhis are described as extraordinary spiritual abilities that arise from deep meditation, intense discipline, divine devotion, and mastery over the mind.
Ancient sages never presented Siddhis merely as magical powers. Instead, they were seen as signs of advanced spiritual awareness and control over one’s inner and outer reality. Many revered figures — especially Lord Hanuman, great yogis, and enlightened rishis — are associated with these abilities in scriptures and devotional literature.
Understanding Ashta Siddhi is not only about supernatural powers; it is about discovering the deeper spiritual qualities hidden behind them — humility, strength, focus, wisdom, and self-mastery.
What Does Ashta Siddhi Mean?
The term comes from Sanskrit:
Ashta means eight
Siddhi means perfection, accomplishment, or spiritual attainment
Together, Ashta Siddhi refers to the eight supreme spiritual capabilities believed to emerge when a seeker achieves profound inner discipline and unity with divine consciousness.
In yogic philosophy, Siddhis are not considered the ultimate goal. They are often described as natural outcomes of spiritual growth, appearing when the practitioner gains control over the body, senses, and mind.
The Eight Ashta Siddhis Explained
1. Anima Siddhi – The Power of Becoming Extremely Small
Anima is described as the ability to shrink one’s form to the smallest size imaginable. Beyond the literal meaning, it reflects humility and the ability to become subtle and unnoticed when needed. Spiritually, it represents freedom from ego.
2. Mahima Siddhi – The Power of Infinite Expansion
Mahima is the capacity to expand to enormous proportions. Symbolically, it represents the expansion of consciousness — the ability to see beyond personal limitations and embrace universal awareness.
3. Garima Siddhi – The Power of Immense Weight
Garima allows a being to become extremely heavy and unmovable. In a spiritual sense, it reflects stability, inner strength, and the ability to remain grounded despite external challenges.
4. Laghima Siddhi – The Power of Lightness
Laghima is the ability to become lighter than air. Symbolically, it represents freedom from attachments, worries, and mental burdens — a state where the soul feels free and uplifted.
5. Prapti Siddhi – The Power to Reach or Obtain Anything
Prapti describes the ability to access or attain anything regardless of distance. Spiritually, it signifies clarity of intention and the power of focused awareness.
6. Prakamya Siddhi – The Power to Fulfill Desires
Prakamya refers to the ability to realize one’s inner desires. At a deeper level, it reflects alignment between thought, action, and spiritual purpose.
7. Ishitva Siddhi – The Power of Divine Authority
Ishitva represents mastery or lordship over natural forces. Symbolically, it stands for responsibility, wisdom, and the ability to lead with spiritual maturity.
8. Vashitva Siddhi – The Power of Control
Vashitva is the ability to influence or control. In spiritual interpretation, it means self-control — mastery over emotions, desires, and impulses rather than control over others.
Among all divine figures, Lord Hanuman is most strongly connected with Ashta Siddhi. Devotional traditions describe him as possessing extraordinary strength, intelligence, humility, and devotion.
Stories from the Ramayana highlight how he demonstrated qualities similar to these Siddhis:
Changing size according to the situation
Displaying immense strength and courage
Traveling vast distances with ease
Remaining deeply humble despite immense power
For devotees, Hanuman represents the perfect balance between power and devotion — reminding seekers that spiritual strength must always be guided by humility and service.
Spiritual Interpretation of Ashta Siddhi
Modern spiritual teachers often explain Siddhis as inner qualities rather than literal supernatural powers:
Becoming small = letting go of ego
Expanding = embracing universal compassion
Becoming heavy = staying firm in values
Becoming light = freeing the mind from attachments
Obtaining anything = clarity and focus
Fulfilling desires = inner harmony
Lordship = responsibility
Control = self-discipline
This interpretation makes Ashta Siddhi relevant even for everyday spiritual life.
Importance of Ashta Siddhi in Yogic Philosophy
Ashta Siddhi teaches several important spiritual lessons:
The human mind holds immense hidden potential
Discipline and meditation can transform consciousness
Power without humility leads to imbalance
Spiritual growth is more important than supernatural abilities
Inner mastery is the real meaning of success
Ancient sages repeatedly warned that attachment to Siddhis could distract seekers from the ultimate goal — liberation and self-realization.
Are Siddhis the Goal of Spiritual Practice?
No. In most yogic traditions, Siddhis are considered side effects of spiritual progress rather than the final destination.
The highest aim of spiritual life is:
Self-realization
Inner peace
Freedom from ego
Liberation (Moksha)
This teaching helps maintain balance and prevents seekers from becoming obsessed with power.
Conclusion
Ashta Siddhi represents the eight extraordinary spiritual attainments described in yogic and Sanatan traditions. While often portrayed as supernatural powers, their deeper meaning lies in inner transformation, discipline, humility, and divine awareness.
Figures like Lord Hanuman remind us that true spiritual strength is not about control or power — it is about devotion, wisdom, courage, and selfless service.
Understanding Ashta Siddhi from both mystical and symbolic perspectives allows modern readers to appreciate its timeless relevance — not as fantasy, but as a guide to personal and spiritual growth.
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