Knowledge Bank

How did the chameleon get the ability to change color?

King Marutta was performing a Maheshvara yajna. Indra, Varuna, Kubera, and other gods were invited. During the yajna, Ravana arrived with his army. In fear, the gods ran away, disguising themselves. Kubera turned into a chameleon to hide. After the danger passed, Kubera returned to his true form. He then blessed the chameleon with the ability to change its color. He also blessed it so that people would see gold on its cheeks.

Fulfilling Life's Three Debts Through Daily Duties

A human is born with three debts: Rishi Rina (debt to sages), Pitru Rina (debt to ancestors), and Deva Rina (debt to deities). To become free from these debts, scriptures prescribe daily duties. These include physical purification, Sandhyavandanam (daily prayers), Tarpana (rituals for ancestors), worship of deities, other daily rituals, and study of scriptures. Maintain cleanliness through physical purification, perform daily prayers through Sandhyavandanam, remember ancestors through Tarpana, worship deities regularly, follow other prescribed daily rituals, and gain spiritual knowledge through the study of scriptures. By adhering to these actions, we fulfill our spiritual esponsibilities.