Shloka 3.33.2
शूर्पणखाया रावणं प्रति नीत्युपदेशः (Surpanakha’s Political Admonition to Ravana)
प्रमत्तः कामभोगेषु स्वैरवृत्तो निरङ्कुशः।समुत्पन्नं भयं घोरं बोद्धव्यं नावबुध्यसे।।।।
apabhuktaṃ yathā vāsaḥ srajo vā mṛditā yathā | evaṃ rājyāt paribhraṣṭaḥ samartho 'pi nirarthakaḥ ||
As a worn-out garment cast aside, or as garlands once worn and then crushed—so is a king fallen from his kingdom: even if capable, he becomes meaningless.
Intoxicated with the pleasures of passion, acting on your own, ungoaded and unguided, you do not understand the problems arising out of great fear, problems you ought to know.
Dharma warns against pride in power: authority is fragile, and once lost through adharma or misjudgment, even personal ability cannot easily restore one’s purpose.
The advisor concludes the warning with vivid similes, underscoring the disgrace and futility that follow a ruler’s political fall.
Humility and foresight: valuing dharmic conduct over arrogance, so that power is not squandered.