Within the Shiva Samhita, siddhis are presented as extraordinary capacities that arise from deep yogic practice—especially through pranayama, mudras, and the awakening of kundalini. The text clearly acknowledges the well-known group of eight great powers (ashta-siddhi): anima (becoming extremely small), mahima (becoming vast), garima (becoming exceedingly heavy), and laghima (becoming extremely light or weightless). Alongside these are prapti (the ability to reach or obtain what is desired, including distant knowledge), prakamya (the capacity to realize whatever one wills), ishita or ishitva (lordship or mastery over the forces of nature and beings), and vashita or vashitva (the power to control or subjugate others). These are not presented as mere curiosities, but as natural consequences of refined control over prana and consciousness.

Beyond this classical set, the Shiva Samhita also alludes to a range of more specific or “subsidiary” siddhis. Among these are freedom from disease and decay, extraordinary longevity, and the conquest of hunger and thirst, suggesting a radical transformation of the body’s usual limitations. The text speaks of clairvoyance and clairaudience—seeing and hearing subtle or distant things—as well as knowledge of past, present, and future, and understanding of all languages. It further describes powers such as moving through the sky or traversing great distances swiftly, becoming invisible or difficult to perceive, and exerting influence over subtle or celestial beings. Some passages also refer to specialized abilities like khechari (moving through space or sky-walking), bhuchari (swift movement on earth), and various forms of elemental control, such as over water, fire, and air.

A particularly significant motif is the intimate link between these siddhis and the inner yogic processes described by the text. Mastery over the nadis and the successful awakening and upward movement of kundalini through the sushumna are portrayed as the inner alchemy from which such powers spontaneously arise. Even the capacity to transmute base metals into gold is framed within this broader vision of transformed energy and consciousness. At the same time, the Shiva Samhita does not treat these attainments as the ultimate goal; rather, it hints that fascination with powers can become an obstacle if they distract from the deeper aim of self-realization. In this way, the siddhis are acknowledged as real possibilities within the yogic path, yet are subtly placed in a secondary position to the realization of the Self.