Powers of Hanuman ji : अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता

Hanuman ji, has attained the eight siddhis and nine Nidhi's, through deeper spiritual practices taught by Shri Ram and by learning various techniques mentioned in Vedas and Upanishad.

In Hinduism, the eight siddhis (अष्ट सिद्धि) are supernatural powers or abilities that can be attained through deep meditation and spiritual practices. Hanuman ji is famously known to have mastered these siddhis:

1. Aṇimā (अणिमा): The ability to shrink one's body to the size of an atom.
2. Mahimā (महिमा): The ability to expand one's body to an infinitely large size.
3. Garimā (गरिमा): The ability to become infinitely heavy.
4. Laghimā (लघिमा): The ability to become almost weightless.
5. Prāpti (प्राप्ति): The ability to acquire anything desired or the power to access any place.
6. Prākāmya (प्राकाम्य): The ability to realize whatever one desires.
7. Iṣṭva (इष्टत्व): The ability to control or create.
8. Vaśitva (वशित्व): The ability to control all material elements or natural forces.

Nine Nidhis (नव निधि)

The nine nidhis (नव निधि) are treasures or types of wealth that are believed to be granted to individuals who attain spiritual perfection. They are:

1. Mahāpadma (महापद्म): Great lotus flower (symbolizes immense wealth).
2. Padma (पद्म): Lotus (symbolizes purity and divine beauty).
3. Śaṅkha (शंख): Conch shell (symbolizes victory and the blessings of the ocean).
4. Makara (मकर): Crocodile (symbolizes protection and power).
5. Kachchhapa (कच्छप): Tortoise (symbolizes longevity and stability).
6. Mukunda (मुकुंद): A kind of fruit (symbolizes prosperity and abundance).
7. Kunda (कुंद): Jasmine (symbolizes purity and beauty).
8. Nīla (नील): Sapphire (symbolizes royalty and spiritual wisdom).
9. Kharva (खर्व): Dwarf (symbolizes humility and strength).

In the line from Hanuman Chalisa: "अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता, अस बर दीन्ह जानकी माता।" Hanuman ji is described as the giver of the eight siddhis and nine nidhis, a boon granted to him by Sita ji.

Meditation Techniques in Vedas and Upanishads

Several meditation techniques mentioned in the Vedas and Upanishads that can lead to the attainment of siddhis include:

1. Dhyāna (ध्यान): Deep meditation focusing the mind on a single object, sound, or thought.
2. Prāṇāyāma (प्राणायाम): Breath control techniques to regulate the life force (प्राण).
3. Mantra Chanting (मंत्र जप): Repeating sacred sounds or phrases to align the mind with divine vibrations.
4. Pratyāhāra (प्रत्याहार): Withdrawal of the senses from external objects to focus inward.
5. Dhāraṇā (धारणा): Concentration on a single point or idea, leading to deep focus.
6. Samādhi (समाधि): The state of complete absorption in meditation, leading to a union with the divine.

Hanuman ji's Mastery of Upanishads

Hanuman ji was a dedicated practitioner of meditation and mastered several Upanishads under the guidance of Shri Ram. Some of the key Upanishads he studied include:

1. Māṇḍūkya Upanishad (माण्डूक्य उपनिषद): Focuses on the concept of Om and the states of consciousness.
2. Īśā Upanishad (ईश उपनिषद): Discusses the nature of the self and the universe.
3. Kena Upanishad (केन उपनिषद): Explores the nature of Brahman and the power behind the senses.
4. Kaṭha Upanishad (कठ उपनिषद): Narrates the dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama about life and death.
5. Praśna Upanishad (प्रश्न उपनिषद): Consists of six questions about the nature of the universe and life force.
6. Muṇḍaka Upanishad (मुण्डक उपनिषद): Discusses the nature of knowledge and the means to attain it.
7. Māṇḍūkya Kārikā (माण्डूक्य कारिका): A commentary on the Māṇḍūkya Upanishad, expanding on its teachings.
8. Taittirīya Upanishad (तैत्तिरीय उपनिषद): Discusses the layers of human existence and the nature of bliss.
9. Aitareya Upanishad (ऐतरेय उपनिषद): Explores the creation of the universe and the nature of the self.
10. Chāndogya Upanishad (छान्दोग्य उपनिषद): Focuses on meditation, morality, and the nature of Brahman.
11. Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upanishad (बृहदारण्यक उपनिषद): One of the longest Upanishads, discussing the nature of reality and the self.

References in Other Texts

The same siddhis and similar meditation techniques are also mentioned in other ancient texts, including Buddhist scriptures:

• Buddhist Canon (त्रिपिटक): The three baskets (Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka) also discuss various meditation techniques and supernatural abilities.
• Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (योगसूत्राणि पतञ्जलि): Discusses the eight limbs of yoga, including siddhis as a result of advanced meditation practices.
• Hatha Yoga Pradipika (हठ योग प्रदीपिका): Describes physical and spiritual practices leading to the attainment of siddhis.

Hanuman Chalisa and Tulsidas

Tulsidas wrote the Hanuman Chalisa after meeting Hanuman ji, who shared his teachings of wisdom with him. The doha "अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता, अस बर दीन्ह जानकी माता।" refers to the siddhis and nidhis granted by Sita ji. Another significant doha in this context is:

"राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा, सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा।" This metaphorically refers to the knowledge and teachings given by Shri Ram to Hanuman ji.

Tulsidas' Prayer for Wisdom

In the Hanuman Chalisa, Tulsidas prays for wisdom and strength with the following doha: "बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन कुमार।
बल बुद्धि विद्या देहु मोहि, हरहु कलेश विकार।।" Meaning: Knowing myself to be devoid of intelligence, I remember you, O Hanuman, the son of the wind. Grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge, and remove my miseries and defects.

Key Doha's and Their Meanings

1. Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar (जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुण सागर): Jai Hanuman, the ocean of knowledge and virtues.
2. Jai Kapis Tihu Lok Ujagar (जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर): Jai Kapees(Another reference of Hanuman ji), who is renowned across the three worlds.

Higher Wisdom and Knowledge

These dohas point to the higher wisdom and knowledge that Hanuman ji embodies. His mastery of scriptures and dedication to meditation under the guidance of Shri Ram make him a revered figure in Hindu mythology.