What was the practical and spiritual significance of the Udi that Sai Baba distributed?

The Udi, or sacred ash, held deep significance. On a practical level, as described in Chapter 33, receiving Udi from Baba was considered true permission for a devotee to depart from Shirdi, making them feel enthusiastic about their return. However, Baba also conveyed a profound spiritual message through this act. The Udi served as a powerful reminder that the entire visible universe is transient and will ultimately turn to ash, just like our own bodies made of the five elements. This practice encouraged devotees to remember the impermanence of worldly existence.