What is the significance of receiving Udi from Sai Baba when one wishes to depart from Shirdi?

According to Chapter 35, receiving Udi from Sai Baba is not merely a parting gift; it is the very embodiment of his permission to leave. The text emphasizes that transgressing this protocol by leaving on one's own will is an invitation to obstacles and dreadful interruptions on the journey. Baba's saying, "Without my wish, who will leave the doorstep?" underscores his complete control over the arrival and departure of devotees. Therefore, as the scripture states, the blessing along with the gift of Udi is the formal permission to leave, signifying that Sai's heart is pleased and he has granted his consent for the devotee's safe departure.