Shloka 2.52.86
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)
त्वं हि त्रिपथगा देवि ब्रह्मलोकं समीक्षसे।भार्या चोदधिराजस्य लोकेऽस्मिन् सम्प्रदृश्यसे।।2.52.86।।
tvaṃ hi tripathagā devi brahma-lokaṃ samīkṣase |
bhāryā codadhi-rājasya loke ’smin sampradṛśyase ||2.52.86||
“O Goddess, you indeed flow in three courses; you behold the realm of Brahmā, and in this mortal world you are seen as the consort of the Ocean-king.”
O Devi, you are Tripathaga, flowing in three directions (worlds). You behold the region of Brahma and happen to be the spouse of the king of the ocean in this world (of mortals).
Dharma includes reverence toward sacred powers and humility before the divine order; Rama acknowledges Ganga’s cosmic sanctity while seeking righteous passage.
Rama addresses the goddess Ganga with praise, situating her as a cosmic river and divine personage, as part of the approach to crossing.
Piety and respectful speech—Rama honors the sacred before acting.