Walking stick-Sanskrit sloka

विश्वामित्रेच  वार्धक्ये  रात्रौ अप्सु कर्दमे  |  अन्धे सर्पेच क्रीडेच दण्डं दशगुणं भवेत्

(Dandam Dashagunam Bhavet)".] A stick has 10 different uses

"Viswaamitrecha vaardhakye raatrou apsu kardame, andhe sarpecha kreedecha dandam dashagunam bhavet"

Vi stands for Vihaga or bird.  Swa means Swaana or Dog. Mitra has two meanings. When used in masculine gender it means the Sun. Otherwise it means friend.  Amitra means an enemy.

First use is to repulse an attack by a Bird.  Second use is to threaten and protect against Dogs. Third is to use it as a weapon against an enemy attack. Fourth use is as a support stick in Vardhakya or old age. Fifth use is in raatri or nights, as a handy weapon while walking in the darkness. Sixth use is in Apsu meaning water.  When crossing a river or stream a stick is used as a means of finding out the depth of water at every step. Seventh use is in kardame or while negotiating a swamp or quicksand. Eighth use is by the blind as a support.  Ninth use is while dealing with sarpa or snakes. Tenth use is in kreeda or sports and games.

In the past those who made pilgrimage to Sabarimala would carry a stick . For each visit a ferrule was attached to it.