Shloka 6.72.1
अतिकायवधश्रवणं रावणस्य लङ्कारक्षाविधानम् (Ravana’s Reaction to Atikaya’s Death and the Fortification Orders for Lanka)
अतिकायंहतंश्रुत्वालक्ष्मणेनमहौजसा ।उद्वेगमगमद्राजावचनंचेदमब्रवीत् ।।।।
atikāyaṁ hataṁ śrutvā lakṣmaṇena mahaujasā | udvegam agamad rājā vacanaṁ cedam abravīt ||
Hearing that Atikāya had been slain by the highly energetic Lakṣmaṇa, the king (Rāvaṇa) was seized with agitation and spoke these words.
On hearing that Atikaya was killed by highly energetic Lakshmana, the king was overtaken by emotion and spoke as follows.
It shows the instability of adharma: when unjust power is challenged by righteous strength, it reacts with fear and agitation rather than inner steadiness.
After Atikāya’s death, Rāvaṇa becomes alarmed and begins issuing instructions.
Lakṣmaṇa’s effectiveness in protecting the righteous cause is underscored through the enemy king’s reaction.