Shloka 2.52.18
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)
सह राघव वैदेह्या भ्रात्रा चैव वने वसन्।त्वं गतिं प्राप्स्यसे वीर त्रीन् लोकांस्तु जयन्निव।।2.52.18।।
saha rāghava vaidehyā bhrātrā caiva vane vasan |
tvaṃ gatiṃ prāpsyase vīra trīn lokāṃs tu jayann iva ||
O Rāghava, heroic one—dwelling in the forest with Vaidehī and your brother, you will attain a blessed end, as though you had conquered the three worlds.
Valiant scion of the Raghus! dwelling in the forest along with Vaidehi (Sita) and brother Lakshmana you will attain the status as if you have won the three worlds.
True victory is moral: enduring exile in fidelity to truth and duty is portrayed as greater than worldly conquest.
Sumantra consoles and praises Rama, framing forest-dwelling with Sita and Lakshmana as a triumphant dharmic path.
Rama’s heroic steadfastness (vīrya + dharma-niṣṭhā): he ‘wins’ by self-control and righteousness rather than force.