The Hanuman Chalisa is a Hindu devotional hymn addressed to Lord Hanuman. It was written in the 16th century by poet Shri Tulsidas in the Awadhi language. Tulsidas is best known for his book, Ramcharitmanas. The word “chālīsā” is derived from “chālīs”, which means the number forty in Hindi as Hanuman Chalisa has 40 verses.

Widely considered the incarnation of Lord Shiva, Hanuman is a devotee of Lord Ram. The qualities of Hanuman-his strength, courage, wisdom, celibacy, and devotion to Lord Ram-are detailed in the Hanuman Chalisa. Recitation or chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa is a common religious practice. The Hanuman Chalisa is the most popular hymn in praise of Lord Hanuman.

Works cited: “Hanuman Chalisa.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Apr. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanuman_Chalisa.