In Hindu tradition, the story of why chameleons can change color is intricately tied to an ancient event that unfolded during the performance of a Mahesvarayajna by King Marutta of Usheerabeeja. During this grand ritual, attended by numerous gods including Indra, Yama, Varuna, and Kubera, an unexpected guest arrived—Ravana, the powerful king of Lanka who had been granted near-invincibility by Brahma – the god of creation in Hinduism.
Ravana's presence instilled fear among the gods, prompting
them to take drastic measures to conceal themselves. Indra assumed the form of
a peacock, Yama transformed into a crow, Varuna took on the appearance of a
swan, and Kubera, the treasure of Devas or demigods, chose to become a
chameleon. Each god morphed into an animal or bird to evade Ravana's attention
and protect themselves from his potential wrath.
This act of transformation proved to be pivotal, as Ravana's
menacing presence was averted, and he eventually departed from the scene. As a
token of gratitude for their selfless actions, each god bestowed blessings upon
the creatures whose forms they had temporarily assumed.
Kubera, in his guise as a chameleon, imparted a remarkable
gift to this creature—the ability to change its color at will. This blessing
ensured that the chameleon would forever possess a unique and extraordinary
trait, allowing it to adapt to its surroundings and evade potential dangers.
Thus, in Hindu tradition, the chameleon's remarkable ability
to change color is not merely a biological adaptation but a divine gift
bestowed upon it by the gods themselves, as a symbol of gratitude for its role
in safeguarding the celestial beings during a moment of peril.