31. THE SACRED ASH - COMMON FACTOR

 

Shirdi Sai used to give the 'Udi (sacred ash)' from the 'dhuni (fire place)' to His devotees while they took leave from Him. This udi served as prasad for grant of boons, as panacea for all ills, warded off evils and served as a rejoinder of the nothingness of existence. Sri Sathya Sai materialises sacred ash, now known as 'Vibhuti' from His Divine palm. The vibhuti is given for fulfilling different requirements, namely, curing of ailments, enabling people to flourish well, the destructions of sins, anxiety and apprehensions if Baba so wills. It can serve as a guard against all evils. It has also the capacity to confer knowledge and wisdom.