Asht Siddhi and Asht Nidhi

Know about the eight Siddhis and Nidhis that Lord Hanuman, the giver of these blessings, bestows. What are these eight Siddhis and Nidhis?

There are a total of eighteen types of Siddhis (spiritual powers), among which eight are particularly special. These eight types of Siddhis are Anima, Mahima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Isitva, Vasitva, and Kamavasayita. These eight Siddhis are known as "Ashta Siddhi."

The description of these Siddhis can be found in the Bhagavata Purana. According to the Bhagavata Purana, when Uddhava asked about these Siddhis, Lord Krishna described them by saying, "Uddhava, when a seeker controls their senses, breath, and mind, and focuses their mind on Me, developing faith in My presence, then many Siddhis appear before them.

"Yogis have described eighteen types of Siddhis (spiritual powers), among which the eight primary Siddhis are inherent in Lord Krishna Himself. The remaining ten Siddhis are attained by a seeker through the development of sattvic qualities. Out of these, three Siddhis are related to the body — Anima, Mahima and Laghima.

Anima: A seeker who attains this Siddhi can make their body extremely subtle, enabling them to pass through solid objects like rocks and boulders with ease.

Mahima: A seeker who acquires this Siddhi gains knowledge of the element they focus their mind on, among the five elements like the sky, etc. By gaining this knowledge, they can perceive matters beyond birth and death, as well as invisible realms.

Laghima: A seeker who attains this Siddhi gains the ability to make their body extremely small and light.

Prapti: If a seeker gains control over their senses, they attain the Siddhi known as Prapti, which allows them to access anything they desire.

Prakamya: A seeker who attains this Siddhi can obtain both worldly and otherworldly objects at will, whenever they desire.

Isitva: The ability to control illusion (Maya) and its manifestations, as well as the power to direct bodies and beings according to their will, is called the Siddhi of ' Isitva.'

Vasitva: A seeker who possesses the Siddhi of 'Vasitva' remains detached from worldly objects, even while being surrounded by them. They can bring all beings under their control, and any creature they direct for a particular task cannot resist or avoid fulfilling it.

Kamavasayita: Upon attaining this Siddhi, the seeker becomes capable of fulfilling any desire for pleasure they wish for, according to their will.

In addition to the eight Siddhis mentioned earlier, there are several other Siddhis, such as controlling hunger and thirst, seeing and hearing things from a great distance, transporting one's mind and body to a specific place, and changing one's form at will. These also include entering another body, choosing the time of death (Ichchha-mrityu), leaving the body at will, witnessing the divine play of deities and celestial beings, the power of resolution, and being universally accepted without objection. These ten Siddhis are attained through the development of Satva-gun (purity). yogis gain five more Siddhis, such as knowing the past, present, and future, being unaffected by cold and heat, pleasure and pain, or attachment and aversion. They can also read others' minds, nullify the powers of the sun, water, fire, and poison, and become invincible against any force.

Ashta Nidhis - Padma, Mahapadma, Makara, Kacchapa, Mukunda, Nandaka, Neela, and Shankha. Goddess Lakshmi, the presiding deity of the knowledge called Padyini, is the bestower of these Nidhis (treasures). These Nidhis belong to her, and it is only through her grace that humans can receive them, as she is the foundation of these treasures. By worshipping the gods and serving great souls, one gains the blessings of the gods and the grace of these great souls. When a person receives divine grace and the blessings of saints, the gaze of these Nidhis falls upon them. Once these treasures bestow their blessings, that person continuously receives wealth.

Padma: This Nidhi (treasure) is associated with Satva-gun (purity). Under its influence, a person becomes a prominent trader dealing in gold, silver, and copper. When blessed by this Nidhi, their business flourishes greatly, making them wealthy. Due to an abundance of wealth and their virtuous nature, they perform rituals, donate to Brahmins, and build public halls and temples for the Lord.

Mahapadma: This Nidhi is also associated with Satvik (purity). Its grace brings about virtuous qualities in a person. Through the blessing of this Nidhi, a person becomes a prominent trader of gems like pearls, corals, and precious stones, gaining great profit in this trade. With the abundance of wealth and virtuous nature bestowed by this Nidhi, they donate to yogis, build ashrams, and themselves develop the same virtuous nature. The grace of this Nidhi lasts for seven generations, and their descendants also inherit the same qualities.

Makar: This Nidhi is associated with Tamas (tamo-guni). When the gaze of this Nidhi falls upon a person, they become tamo-guni, regardless of their original Satva-gun (purity). They become prominent traders dealing in weapons and form alliances with kings. They give wealth to those who lead a life of valor and their friends. However, they show little interest in trading other goods apart from weapons. The grace of this Nidhi only extends to one individual, who, due to their wealth, may fall victim to robbers or be killed in battle.

Kacchap: This Nidhi is also tamasic. When the gaze of this Nidhi falls upon a person, they become tamasic as well. This person trusts no one and, like a tortoise that withdraws its limbs for protection, they become overly concerned about hoarding wealth to protect it. They neither use this wealth for their own needs nor give any to others, fearing its loss. To safeguard it, they bury their wealth in the ground. The grace of this Nidhi lasts for only one generation.

Mukunda: This Nidhi is associated with Rajo-gun. When the gaze of this Nidhi falls upon a person, they become rajasic and start collecting musical instruments like guitars, flutes, and drums. While they receive a significant amount of wealth due to the grace of this Nidhi, they only give this wealth to dancers and singers. They possess all kinds of pleasurable items but continue to provide these to drunkards, prisoners, gamblers, and actors. The grace of this Nidhi also lasts for only one generation.

Nandaka: This Mahanidhi (great treasure) combines Rajo-gun and Tamo-gun. When the gaze of this Nidhi falls upon a person, they become fully engrossed in materialistic desires. Through its grace, they accumulate a great deal of wealth and become prominent traders dealing in various metals, gems, grains, etc. They are usually the sole earners in their families, showing great respect to their family members and relatives, but they cannot tolerate any slight against their honor. When someone gives them excessive respect, they become very pleased. Due to the wealth bestowed by this Nidhi, they fulfill every wish of that person, providing them with whatever they desire. Their nature becomes gentle, and their wife is very beautiful, virtuous, and fertile. This Nidhi lasts for seven generations. The grace of this Nidhi also extends the lifespan of the individual. However, a person who attains this Nidhi does not remain loyal to their friends; they become bored with one friend and seek affection from another.

Neel: This Mahanidhi is a combination of Satvagun (purity) and Rajogun (passion). When the gaze of this Nidhi falls upon a person, they too become endowed with Satvaguni and Rajoguni. This person becomes a prominent trader dealing in garments, cotton, grains, fruits, flowers, pearls, corals, conchs, shells, wood, and other water-based products. Through the grace of this Nidhi, they earn significant profits in their trade. To sustain their business, they construct ponds, plant gardens, build bridges over rivers, and have a keen interest in planting trees. They also gain wealth and fame through sandalwood and flowers. However, this Nidhi is limited to three generations.

Shankh: This Nidhi is also imbued with Rajogun and Tamogun. It makes its possessor rajasic and tamasic as well. A person who possesses the Shankha acquires a lot of wealth but uses it solely for selfish purposes. They do not share even a little with their family members, who remain poor. This person does not consider anyone as their own and only fills their own belly with the wealth obtained through this Nidhi, providing nothing to their brothers, sisters, children, friends, or spouse.

In addition to these, there is one more Nidhi known as 'Kharva.' It is said that this Nidhi is a mixture of all other Nidhis. However, the Puranas do not confirm the existence of the Kharva Nidhi.

Writer: - Kuldeep Singh