Asta
Siddhi and Nao Nidhi
The
story of Mata Sita awarding Hanuman with "Asta Siddhi" and "Nao
Nidhi" is a popular tale from the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to the
Ramayana, after Lord Rama, Mata Sita, and Lakshmana were exiled to the forest
for fourteen years, Mata Sita was abducted by the demon king Ravana and taken
to Lanka (modern-day Sri Lanka).
In
the search for Mata Sita, Lord Rama and Lakshmana met Hanuman, a devout and
powerful devotee of Lord Rama, who was an incarnation of Lord Shiva's son, Lord
Hanuman. Hanuman was a Vanara (a race of monkey-like beings) with extraordinary
strength, intelligence, and divine abilities.
Hanuman,
with the help of an army of Vanaras, crossed the ocean to reach Lanka. There,
he found Mata Sita imprisoned in Ashoka Vatika, the beautiful garden of
Ravana's palace. Hanuman conveyed Lord Rama's message of hope and assurance to
Mata Sita and also reassured her of their imminent rescue.
During
their conversations, Mata Sita was impressed by Hanuman's unwavering devotion
and loyalty to Lord Rama. To acknowledge and reward his extraordinary
dedication, she blessed him with "Asta Siddhi" and "Nao
Nidhi."
1.
Asta Siddhi: These are eight supernatural powers or abilities that are believed
to bestow great capabilities upon the possessor. The eight Siddhis are Anima
(the ability to become tiny), Mahima (the ability to become enormous), Garima
(the ability to become heavy), Laghima (the ability to become light), Prapti
(the ability to obtain anything desired), Prakamya (the ability to fulfill any
wish), Isitva (supremacy over all), and Vasitva (the power to control all
beings and elements).
2.
Nao Nidhi: These are nine types of divine treasures that provide inexhaustible
wealth and resources. The Nao Nidhis are Padma (a fabulous gem), Mahapadma (a
rare jewel), Shankha (a conch shell that yields gold), Makara (a mythical
creature symbolizing abundance), Kachchhapa (a wish-fulfilling tortoise),
Mukunda (a divine gem), Kunda (a gem that fulfills all desires), Nila (a
precious stone), and Kharva (a mysterious object).
Mata
Sita bestowed these divine blessings on Hanuman as a gesture of her gratitude
and love for his relentless efforts to find her and bring the news of her
well-being back to Lord Rama. Hanuman's dedication and devotion to Lord Rama
make him one of the most revered and beloved figures in Hindu mythology. His
feats during the Ramayana continue to inspire millions of people worldwide.
Beautiful
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