The Hanuman Chalisa was written by Swami Tulsidas, a poet-saint who lived in the 16th century. According to the legends, one day, after his bath, Tulsi Das was returning from the river. On his way back to his home, he was hit by a blind man. Seeing the blind man, Tulsi Das wished that he gains his eyesight. And since Tulsi Das was a great devotee, his wish came true and the man got his eyesight. The whole incidence was reported to the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. The King’s men said that Tulsi Das is a magician. The Mughal King was intrigued and wanted to witness his magical powers. King Akbar invited Tulsi Das to his court to witness his magical powers. To which Tulsi Das replied, “It was God’s grace which made the blind man regain his eyesight.” The king got angry, thinking that Tulsidas is not telling him the source of the miracle or trick, and ordered that he be punished. Thus, Tulsi Das was imprisoned. It was in the prison, that Tulsi Das started writing Hanuman Chalisa. Hanuman Chalisa has 40 verses. It is said that when on the 40th day, Tulsi Das completed writing the Chalisa, the entire Fatehpur Sikri was surrounded by giant monkeys. They created havoc all around the town, so much so that Akbar ordered to free Tulsi Das of captivity. As soon as Tulsi Das was released, the monkeys went, clearly indicating that Lord Hanuman came to the rescue of Tulsidas. So, it is believed that chanting Hanuman Chalisa in danger will free you from the danger and evil spirits.