God Vishnu incarnated as Lord Rama to save the universe from the clutches of the
materialistic demon Ravana. When Vishnu incarnated, all the devatas also incarnated
as monkeys, bears, and others who would help Rama defeat Ravana. At that time,
Lord Shiva wondered why he should not also incarnate to enjoy the bliss of service
to the divine Lord Rama? Thus, Lord Shiva took birth in the semi-divine race of
vannaras as Hanuman.
Before he left Earth for his home in Vaikuntha, Lord Rama charged Hanuman to stay
on Earth and look after his devotees. Like Ganapati, Hanuman is very close to the
Earth plane and therefore very easy for devotees to approach. No complex rituals
or formulas are needed to invoke his grace.
The 16th century Saint Tulasidas wrote forty verses in Hindi in praise of Sri Hanuman.
Chanting his work, called the Hanuman Chalisa, is an easy way to get the grace of
Hanuman. Tulsidas says in the 40 verse Hanuman Chalisa that "There is no need to
contemplate other gods - worshipping Hanuman, one gains all happiness." Furthermore,
Tulasidas says "Whoever recites this Chalisa a hundred times is released from bondage
and gains bliss."

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