In the beginning, Sai Baba's approach was one of complete detachment from material offerings. Chapter 14 describes how He would not ask for anything and would instead collect burnt sticks. If someone left a small coin, he would use it for tobacco or oil, but He would return large coins. Later, as crowds of devotees grew and worship became more ritualized, His acceptance of Dakshina became more formalized. This change was driven by the devotees' own belief that worship, including Guru-worship, is incomplete without offerings like gold, flowers, and Dakshina.
How did Sai Baba's approach to accepting offerings evolve from his early days to when his fame grew?
π Chapter 14