Shloka 2.52.88

गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)

Devanagari script

सा त्वां देवि नमस्यामि प्रशंसामि च शोभने।प्राप्तराज्ये नरव्याघ्रे शिवेन पुनरागते।।2.52.87।।गवां शतसहस्राणि वस्त्राण्यन्नं च पेशलम्।ब्राह्मणेभ्यः प्रदास्यामि तव प्रियचिकीर्षया।।2.52.88।।

Transliteration

gavāṃ śatasahasrāṇi vastrāṇy annaṃ ca peśalam | brāhmaṇebhyaḥ pradāsyāmi tava priyacikīrṣayā || 2.52.88 ||

Translation

“To please you, O Goddess, I shall give to the brahmins a hundred thousand cows, along with garments and choice, delicious food.”

Context

O Devi O lovely Ganga I offer you my obeisance and my adorations. After the safe return of Rama, the tiger (best) among men, from the forest and after he regains the kingdom I shall give a hundred thousand cows, clothing and delicious food to brahmins as a mark of regard, which will please you.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Gaṅgā
• brāhmaṇas
• cows
• garments
• food (anna)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dāna-dharma: Sītā frames gratitude and devotion as ethical action—promising charity to brahmins (food, clothing, cows) as a righteous offering made in a spirit of reverence.

What is the narrative situation?

At the Gaṅgā crossing during the forest-exile journey, Sītā makes a vow to the river-goddess: if Rāma returns safely and regains the kingdom, she will perform charitable gifts.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s śraddhā and niyama (faithful devotion and disciplined vow-keeping), expressed through a concrete commitment to generosity and ritual gratitude.