Shloka 2.52.85
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।।
sā tvāṃ devi namasyāmi praśaṃsāmi ca śobhane | prāptarājye naravyāghre śivena punar āgate || 2.52.87 ||
gavāṃ śatasahasrāṇi vastrāṇy annaṃ ca peśalam | brāhmaṇebhyaḥ pradāsyāmi tava priyacikīrṣayā || 2.52.88 ||
“O Goddess, O beautiful one, I bow to you and praise you. When the tiger among men returns safely and regains his kingdom, I shall give to brāhmaṇas a hundred thousand cows, garments, and fine food—intending to do what is pleasing to you.”
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.
Dāna and kṛtajñatā (gratitude): Sītā links divine protection with a vow of charity to brāhmaṇas, expressing dharma through generous restitution.
Sītā completes her prayer by promising offerings and charitable gifts after Rāma’s safe return and restoration.
Sītā’s gratitude and integrity—she makes a concrete vow of giving, grounded in faith and righteous hope.