Immediately after Ratanji made his offerings, Sai Baba asked him for Dakshina, a monetary offering, stating that fulfillment would follow. Chapter 14 clarifies that this was not a unique request but a standard practice for Baba. He would ask for Dakshina from everyone who came for his darshan, regardless of their religion—be it Hindu, Muslim, or Parsi. The amounts He requested varied greatly, from a few rupees to thousands, and He would sometimes push devotees by telling them to take a loan if they claimed their money was finished. This practice was a central part of the interaction with Sai Maharaj in Shirdi.
What was Sai Baba's characteristic practice concerning Dakshina, as illustrated during his encounter with Ratanji?
📖 Chapter 14