Dhuni

Shirdi Sai Baba was considered to be Agnihotri, i.e. he kept a fire (dhuni) burning continuously.  Even to this day, the resident devotees at Shirdi keep this dhuni alive and burning.

The ash from this dhuni, which is called udi or vibhuti, is very auspicious and sacred.  It is used to cure various disabilities and illnesses and has solved numerous problems and worries of devotees.  Vibhuti can also give one mental, physical and spiritual elevation, and has been known to resuscitate a dying or dead body.

The question was put to Sathya Sai Baba in the interview room, "How is it that you do not become angry while Shirdi Sai Baba used to lose His temper very often?"  Sathya Sai Baba replied: "When Swami was in Shirdi, He used to burn a fire continuously to obtain vibhuti; but in this avatar as Sathya Sai Baba, the vibhuti automatically comes from the hands."  Swami explained that the role of Shirdi Sai Baba was that of "preparing a meal" (i.e. laying the groundwork of His mission for living in unity), and while doing it, if the children (devotees) disturbed Him, he used to get angry.  Now in the present avatar, the food (of love and bliss) is ready, and He is serving it to His children (the devotees)!

(From the book "Sai Smaran" by Dr. D. J. Ghadia)