Shloka 2.52.83
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)
पुत्रो दशरथस्यायं महाराजस्य धीमतः।निदेशं पारयित्वेमं गङ्गे त्वदभिरक्षितः।।2.52.83।।चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि समग्राण्युष्य कानने।भ्रात्रा सह मया चैव पुनः प्रत्यागमिष्यति।।2.52.84।।ततस्त्वां देवि सुभगे क्षेमेण पुनरागता।यक्ष्ये प्रमुदिता गङ्गे सर्वकामसमृद्धिनी।।2.52.85।।
putro daśarathasyāyaṃ mahārājasya dhīmataḥ | nideśaṃ pārayitvemaṃ gaṅge tvad-abhirakṣitaḥ || 2.52.83 ||
caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi samagrāṇy uṣya kānane | bhrātrā saha mayā caiva punaḥ pratyāgamiṣyati || 2.52.84 ||
tatas tvāṃ devi subhage kṣemeṇa punar āgatā | yakṣye pramuditā gaṅge sarvakāmasamṛddhinī || 2.52.85 ||
“O Gaṅgā, guarded by you, this son of the wise Mahārāja Daśaratha will fulfill that command. After dwelling in the forest for the full fourteen years, he will return again—together with his brother and with me. Then, O blessed goddess Gaṅgā, when I have come back safely, I shall worship you with joy, O fulfiller of all desires.”
O Ganga, protected by you, this son (Rama) of Dasaratha, the sagacious maharaja, will carry out his father's command. He along with his brother will return after living in the forest for full fourteen years. O fortunate Devi, he will worship you in delight for fulfilling all his desires after his safe return.
Satya and niyama: Sītā affirms Rāma’s unwavering commitment to his father’s command and frames devotion as a vow tied to righteous fulfillment of duty.
Midstream on the Gaṅgā, Sītā prays for protection during exile and vows future worship and offerings upon their safe return.
Sītā’s steadfast faith and Rāma’s truth-bound obedience—confidence that dharma will be completed and recompensed with gratitude.