Lord Hanuman, the revered vanara deity of Hinduism, is celebrated for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, his immense strength, and his pivotal role in the epic Ramayana. However, beyond the popular tales of his heroics lies a deeper layer of mystical powers and siddhis granted to him, as detailed in various sacred texts. Let's delve into what the scriptures say about the secret powers of Bajrangbali.
1. Anima: The Power to Become Minuscule
Perhaps the most famous display of Hanuman's powers is his use of Anima. This siddhi allowed him to reduce his size to that of a tiny monkey to effortlessly cross the ocean to Lanka and later to enter the city undetected. He used this form to finally meet Mother Sita in the Ashoka Vatika, offering her Lord Rama's ring.
Reference: Sundara Kanda, Valmiki Ramayana
2. Mahima: The Power to Become Gigantic
The counterpart to Anima is Mahima, the power to expand one's body to an infinitely large size. Hanuman assumed a colossal form to leap across the ocean to Lanka. Later, he also used this power to burn the entire city with his flaming tail, which was set ablaze by the rakshasas.
Reference: Sundara Kanda, Valmiki Ramayana
3. Garima: The Power of Immense Weight
This is the power to become infinitely heavy. In the Mahabharata, it is recounted that Bhima, Hanuman's brother, once encountered an old monkey blocking his path. Unable to move the monkey's tail, a humbled Bhima realized it was Hanuman. Hanuman then demonstrated his power of Garima, making his body so heavy that even the mighty Bhima could not budge him.
Reference: Vana Parva, Mahabharata
4. Laghima: The Power of Weightlessness
Laghima is the siddhi to make oneself completely light, often described as the power of levitation. This power was intrinsic to Hanuman's ability to fly at great speeds and perform his legendary leap across the ocean. It represents mastery over the air element and gravity itself.
Reference: Various Puranas
5. Prapti: The Power of Acquisition
Prapti is the power to obtain anything desired, transcending all limitations of space. Hanuman's most critical use of this power was when he was tasked to fetch the Sanjeevani herb to revive Lakshmana. Unable to identify the specific herb, he used Prapti to acquire the entire Dronagiri mountain and carry it back to the battlefield.
Reference: Yuddha Kanda, Valmiki Ramayana
6. Vashitva: The Power of Magnetism and Control
This is the power to attract and subjugate others, controlling their will. Hanuman's immense presence and aura commanded respect and fear from his enemies. His very entrance into Lanka caused unease, and his words carried a weight that could influence those around him, a subtle display of Vashitva.
7. Ishitva: The Power of Lordship & Creation
Ishitva is the power of godhood, which includes the ability to create and destroy. As an incarnation of Lord Shiva, Hanuman possesses this divine authority. Scriptures like the Hanuman Chalisa affirm his role in the cosmic order: "Sankat se Hanuman chudave, man har kram vachan dhyan jo lave" – He wards off all troubles from those who meditate on him in thought, word, and deed.
Reference: Hanuman Chalisa
The Source of His Powers
It's crucial to understand that Hanuman's powers were not for personal gain but were instruments of Dharma (righteousness). His celibacy (Brahmacharya), unwavering devotion (Bhakti), and disciplined wisdom (Jnana) are the true sources of his strength. The scriptures emphasize that his greatest power is his selfless love for Rama, which made all other siddhis possible.
By studying the secret powers of Hanuman, we learn that true strength is a combination of divine blessing, disciplined living, and a heart dedicated to a cause greater than oneself.