Indra Asks the Lord for One Command to Serve
Lanka Kanda, Doha 113
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Indra completes his confession and turns praise toward service. Look upon me with mercy now, he asks the lotus eyed Lord. Give me a command.
The king of heaven does not propose a deed shaped by his own understanding. Having admitted the pride that once told him none was equal, he waits to discover what Rama actually desires from him.
What shall I do? The question is small after the great hymn, but it is the place where the hymn becomes obedience. Rama hears the loving words. The compassionate friend of the lowly is about to direct celestial power toward the anonymous bodies lying across the battlefield. Indra's authority will find its purest use not in throne or thunderbolt, but in carrying out the mercy of the Lord he has asked to serve.
Indra's praise becomes complete when the ruler of heaven stands before Rama and simply asks what love should do.
Read the passage from the Manas
अब करि कृपा बिलोकि मोहि आयसु देहु कृपाल। काह करौं सुनि प्रिय बचन बोले दीनदयाल।।113।।
Now show Your mercy and look upon me, grant Your command, O compassionate Lord! What shall I do? Hearing these loving words, the merciful One to the afflicted spoke.