What is Udi, and how did Sai Baba distribute it to his devotees?

Udi is the sacred ash from the perpetually burning fire, or Dhuni, that Baba kept in the Masjid. As described in Chapter 33, Baba would distribute this ash as a benediction, or Prasad, to everyone who came for his Darshan. Whether they were small or great, as they prepared to leave, he would give them handfuls of this ash. The text also details his personal touch in this act; he would apply the Udi with his own thumb to their foreheads and place his hand on their heads, bestowing blessings for their welfare. The terms Ash, Vibhuti, and Udi are all used to refer to this same sacred offering.