Why were Sai Baba's devotees so confused about whether he had actually died, according to Chapter 44?

The confusion among Sai Baba's devotees stemmed from a past incident that created doubt about the finality of his departure. Chapter 44 recounts that after Baba's breath left his body, people were uncertain whether it was a temporary trance (Samadhi) or actual death. This doubt was rooted in a similar event that had occurred 32 years prior. In that instance, Baba had drawn his life force into the crown of his head for three full days, appearing to have passed away. However, he suddenly returned to his body, dispelling everyone's anxiety. As Chapter 44 explains, the memory of this previous event made his followers hesitant to proceed with the final rites, wondering if he might rise again, which led to a twenty-six-hour deliberation on the matter.