What was the specific function of receiving Udi when a devotee wanted to leave Shirdi, based on the account in Chapter 33?

Based on the account in Chapter 33, receiving Udi from Sai Baba served as a definitive and practical signal of His permission for a devotee to leave Shirdi. It was a well-known practice among all devotees that when they sought Baba's leave to return to their villages, the distribution of Udi was the key moment. The text specifies, 'when saying "Take the Udi," true permission was granted then.' This act provided a clear and tangible confirmation of Baba's blessing for their journey. Consequently, as the chapter mentions, 'whoever's mind desired to return would feel enthusiastic' upon receiving the sacred ash, as it removed any doubt about whether they had Baba's consent to depart.