Initially, Sai Baba's detachment was so profound that He did not accept anything from anyone, whether they were a devotee or not. As described in Chapter 14, for a long time, He would simply collect burnt sticks. However, a shift occurred when people began to feel that it was improper to visit a saint for darshan empty-handed. Chapter 14 explains that it was for this reason that He began taking Dakshina. It's noted that He would accept a small coin, which He might use for tobacco or oil, but would return a large copper coin, demonstrating His lack of attachment to wealth itself.
Why did Sai Baba eventually start accepting Dakshina from people?
📖 Chapter 14