Hanuman Chalisa is a 40 (+3) lined hymn in Awadhi language (a language similar to Hindi and whose origin is from Sanskrit) composed by Goswami Tulsidas in praise of Lord Hanuman, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama.It has 40 verses, each verse is four lined (chaupi). This stotra has two introductory Dohas (couplets) and one in the end.

Lord Hanuman is well known for his extreme devotion to Lord Rama. Lord Hanuman is always depicted in the Indian folklaire as an icon of true devotion and a symbol of the power of true devotion and chastity.
Many stories from the Indian literature tell the tales of Lord Hanuman protecting devotees of Lord Rama and helping those who seek him either spiritually or otherwise. Goswami Tulasidas has written these lines in respect of Lord Hanuman's great character, in praise of his powers and also devotion.

The author says in the last stanza of the Chalisa that whoever chants it with full devotion to Hanuman, will have Hanuman's grace. Amongst the Hindus, it is a very popular belief that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa invokes Hanuman's divine intervention in grave problems, including those concerning evil spirits.