Power of UDI

'Dhuni ' is the Sacred fire that perpetually burnt before Baba in 'Dwarkamai ' mosque. He always used to sit by the side of 'Dhuni ' and look at it deeply absorbed in thought.
Fire is a manifestation of energy of which the whole universe is made. The fire sacrifice stands for the cosmic consciousness in which the manifold creation is projected, maintained and constantly transformed. Hence, the 'Dhuni ' is the symbol of 'Chidagni ' or Cosmic energy.
'Dhuni ', which is perpetually burning at Shirdi, is the fire sacrifice for burning down the sins to ashes for those who seek complete refuge in this peerless Master.

Baba used to distribute the 'Udi ', ash of this sacred fire to all who came to Him with faith, as a token of His grace. Today also the devotees partake a pinch of this sacred ash as a token of His blessings. The Sacred Ash (popularly known as UDI) had curative powers in it and whosoever visited Shirdi used to carry it with him. Today, due to the visit by a large number of devotees, a spoon full of this Ash is given.

Here are a few real instances.
A certain doctor 's nephew had bone-cancer. The doctor tried all remedies, including surgical operation, but in vain. With acute pain, the boy cried pitiably. At last the doctor brought the boy to Baba and threw all burden on him. Daily Baba placed a blessing glance on the wound and applied Udi on it. Within a week, the boy was completely cured.

Another doctor had a guinea-worm in his leg, which was terribly swollen and caused intense pain. He approached Baba with a request to release him from his mortal coil and thus end his agony for good. Baba daily applied Udi to his leg and also administered it orally. One day, an attendant inadvertently stepped on the doctor 's affected leg with the result that the wound burst open and the guinea-wom was driven out. The doctor was soon cured.

There are countless instances of this kind. But I will tell you one, deserving special mention
Nanasaheb Chandorkar, one of the earliest devotees of Baba, was a mamlatdar at Jamner, about 24 miles from Jalgaon in Khandesh. One can go upto Jalgaon by railway and then take a tonga.

Nanasabeb 's daughter, Maina had come to Jamner for delivery. For fortyeight hours, she was in labour and her very life was in danger. Nanasaheb was appealing to Baba to come to her succour. Sai Baba as if 'heard ' it in Shirdi. Ramgir, a resident bhakta, was then inspired to go to his village in Khandesh. He came to ask for Baba 's permission. Baba said, "Yes. Start immediately. But first go to Nanasaheb at Jamner, give him Udi and Arati, and then proceed home ". Baba gave him a packet of Udi from the dhuni with his own hands and the Arati on a piece of paper to be recited at Maina 's bedside. Ramgir took the two things, but, in a tone of anxiety, he asked, "Baba, I have only two rupees with me. With this much. I can barely go to Jalgaon. But how could I make a detour to Jamner and thence to my place ? " "You need not worry, " Said Baba, "You only go to Jalgaon. Everything will be arranged thereafter. "

With firm faith in Baba, Ramgir started. He had to pay Rs. 1-14-0 for railway ticket and only two annas were left with him. About midnight the train reached Jalgaon and Ramgir got down. Just then a sepoy in Khaki uniform approached him and said "Sir, you are Ramgir from Shirdi, I hope ". Ramgir said he was. "Then come along, " said the sepoy, Nanasaheb has sent me with a tonga for you. " Ramgir thought that as Baba had hinted he must have sent a word to Nanasaheb and asked him to make these arrangements. The sepoy gave him a few snacks, which he said, were sent bv Nanasaheb. Then the tonga started and by dawn, it arrived at Jamner. The sepoy, pointing to a distant 'building, said, "That is Nanasaheb 's office. " Ramgir alighted there to ease himself and went behind a bush. But as he came out, what did he find ? Nothing, no horses, no carriage, no sepoy. All had disappeared. Dumbfounded, he went to Nanasaheb 's office and, obtaining Nanasabeb 's address, went there. Saluting Nanasaheb, he said, "Baba has sent me here from Shirdi and has given you these things. " A thrill went through Nanasaheb on hearing this. He said, 'Oh Baba, Baba! What should I say to you ? I called your name here and hearing my call in Shirdi, you at once ran here in the form of these things. A million pranams to you !

" Nanasaheb applied the Udi to his daughter and put a little in her mouth too. Then he sat by her bedside, reciting the arati. And would you believe it ? In half an hour, Maina delivered safely. Ramgir was waiting outside. Nanasabeb came out and thanked him profoundly. Eagerly Ramgir asked, "Nana, your tonga brought me to Jamner all right. But then as I got down to ease myself, it suddenly vanished. Where is that tonga ? " "Which tonga ? " asked the puzzled Nana. "Your tonga which you had sent for me to Jalgaon Station. Your sepoy met me there, gave me your delicious snacks and brought me here with great speed. "
With tears of gratitude, Nanasaheb said, "Ramgir, I had not the faintest idea that you were coming. So how could I have sent the tonga ? This is all no doubt done by Baba. How unbounded is your kripa, Oh mother Sai ! " Later, Nanasaheb himself related this whole incident to the people assembled at Shirdi. It therefore bears a stamp of authority.