Shloka 4.1.117
पम्पा-तीर-वर्णनम् / Rama’s Lament at Pampa and the Approach to Rishyamuka
यदि गच्छति पातालं ततोऽभ्यधिकमेव वा।सर्वथा रावणस्तावन्न भविष्यति राघव।।।।
yadi gacchati pātālaṃ tato 'bhyadhikam eva vā | sarvathā rāvaṇas tāvan na bhaviṣyati rāghava ||
Even if Ravana were to flee into Patala, or into depths beyond it, he will not endure by any means, O Raghava.
'Even if Ravana escapes into the nether world or into a world still lower, he cannot save himself by any means, O Rama !
Adharma ultimately has no refuge: wrongdoing (Ravana’s abduction) invites inevitable accountability, reinforcing moral order.
Lakshmana strengthens Rama’s determination by asserting that Ravana cannot escape the consequences of his crime.
Righteous certainty and courage—confidence that justice will prevail when pursued with steadfast effort.