What is the significance of receiving Udi from Sai Baba when a devotee wishes to leave Shirdi?

Receiving Udi from Sai Baba holds a dual significance as both a blessing and an explicit permission to depart. As detailed in Chapter 35, attempting to leave Shirdi by one's own will without Baba's consent was considered an invitation to obstacles and remorse. The text states that dreadful interruptions could occur on the way. Therefore, the proper protocol was to bow and ask for permission to leave. The act of Sai Baba giving the Udi Prasad was the very confirmation of that permission. Chapter 35 clarifies that getting the blessing along with the Udi is the formal permission to leave, underscoring that all movement to and from Shirdi was under Sai's divine will.