What is the deeper spiritual meaning behind Sai Baba giving Udi to his devotees?

Chapter 33 of the Sai Satcharitra delves into the profound spiritual significance of Sai Baba distributing Udi. The Udi serves as a powerful symbol to remind us that the entire visible universe is transient and ultimately nothing but ash. This chapter explains that the physical body, described as being made of five elements, is also temporary and will become ash once its destined experiences are exhausted. By giving the Vibhuti, Baba was imparting the awareness that Brahman is the only true reality, while the universe is pervaded by Maya, or illusion. The Udi acts as a constant reminder of this ultimate truth.