Not to be confused with the African-descended Siddi people of India (though sometimes spelt identically).
Siddhi is a Sanskrit term for spiritual power (or psychic ability); it literally means "a perfection." It is known in Hinduism and tantric buddhism. These spiritual powers supposedly vary from relatively simple forms of clairvoyance to being able to levitate, be present at various places at once, become as small as an atom, materialize objects, having access to memories from past lives and more. The term became known in the West through the work of H.P. Blavatsky.
There are many perspectives of attaining Siddhis. One school of thought states that they are a normal set of occurrences that should not be focused upon because they will pull one from their path. Other perspectives hold that each siddhi should be pursued because it will allow one to understand the power of the Godhead. Normally, siddhis occur two ways: naturally and as a result of extended practice of austerities. They are often mentioned in conjunction with Riddhi (pl Riddhis), which means material or worldly wealth, power, luxurious lifestyles, etc.
Nine main Siddhis
Parkaya Pravesh: Parkaya Pravesh means entering one’s soul in the body of some other person. Through this knowledge even a dead body can be brought to life.
Haadi Vidya: This Vidya or knowledge has been mentioned in several ancient texts. On acquiring this Vidya a person neither feels hungry nor thirsty and he can remain without eating food or drinking water for several days at a stretch.
Kaadi Vidya: Just as one does not feel hungry or thirsty in Haadi Vidya similarly in Kaadi Vidya a person is not affected by change of seasons i.e. by summer, winter, rain etc. After accomplishing this Vidya a person shall not feel cold even if he sits in the snow laden mountains and shall not feel hot even if he sits in the fire.
Vayu Gaman Siddhi: Through this Siddhi a person can become capable of flying in the skies and traveling from one place to another in just a few seconds.
Madalasa Vidya: On accomplishing this Vidya, a person becomes capable of increasing or decreasing the size of his body according to his wish. Lord Hanuman had miniaturised his body through this Vidya while entering the city of Lanka.
Kanakdhara Siddhi: One can acquire immense and unlimited wealth through this Siddhi.
Prakya Sadhana: Through this Sadhana a Yogi can direct his disciple to take birth from the womb of a woman, who is childless or cannot bear children.
Surya Vigyan: This Solar science is one of the most significant sciences of ancient India. This science has been known only to the Indian Yogis and using it, one substance can be transformed into another through the medium of sun rays.
Mrit Sanjavani Vidya: This Vidya was created by Adi Shankaracharya. Through it even a dead person can be brought back to life.
Eight Siddhis
There is also the concept of the Ashta Siddhi (eight siddhis) in Hinduism. These are:
Anima: reducing one's body even to the size of an atom;
Mahima: expanding one's body to an infinitely large size;
Garima: becoming infinitely heavy;
Laghima: becoming almost weightless;
Prapti: having unrestricted access to all places;
Prakamya: realising whatever one desires;
Isitva: possessing absolute lordship;
Vasitva: the power to subjugate all.
In Hinduism, Hanuman possesses the ability to bestow the eight siddhis and the nava nidhi (nine types of wealth).
References
Sri Ramakrishna Math (1985). Hanuman Chalisa. Chennai, India: Sri Ramakrishna Math. ISBN 81-7120-086-9
"Siddhi".
