What was the significance of the sacred fire, or `dhuni`, in Sai Baba's mosque?

The dhuni, or sacred fire, held profound significance in Sai Baba's life at the mosque, as described in Chapter 5. Physically, it served as his protection from the cold, as he wore only a loincloth. More importantly, it was a spiritual tool. Baba would sit facing the dhuni and symbolically offer his ego, desires, mental tendencies, and all worldly inclinations as oblations into the flames. The text mentions he placed the 'log of knowledge and pride' into this fierce fire-pit while constantly repeating 'Allah-Malik' (God is the Master).