Tag: Pharmacognosy

  • Nature, Uses, and Preparation of Udi- Holy Ash

    Nature, Uses, and Preparation of Udi- Holy Ash

    Based on Chapter 33 of the Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, here is the discussion on the nature, uses, and preparation of Udi:

    What is Udi?

    Udi is the sacred ash taken from the dhuni, the eternally burning fire kindled by Shirdi Sai Baba in the Masjid. It is regarded by devotees as a miraculous and holy substance that embodies Baba’s power and grace.

    Preparation by Baba

    Baba prepared Udi by offering an oblation of firewood (logs and sticks) into the dhuni. He purchased this wood using the dakshina (monetary offerings) collected from devotees, piling it in large heaps to keep the fire burning day and night. The resulting ashes were then distributed to his followers as a blessing.

    Uses of Udi

    The sources categorize the significance of Udi into both material and spiritual realms:

    • Material World (Health and Prosperity): Udi is frequently used to cure physical and mental ailments. The text states there are “innumerable stories” where Udi was used to benefit the health and prosperity of devotees, acting as a “healing touch in the afflictions of life”.
    • Devotional and Spiritual (Destruction of Sins): Spiritually, Udi serves as a reminder of the transience of the human body and the illusory nature (Maya) of the universe. It teaches that the body will ultimately be reduced to ashes, prompting a focus on the eternal Brahman. Applying Udi with devotion is said to destroy sins and help seekers cross the “ocean of existence”.

    Notable Instances of its Power

    The sources describe two specific instances where Udi—or even road dust used in its stead—demonstrated Baba’s omnipresence:

    • The Jamner Miracle: When Nana Chandorkar’s daughter was suffering from intense labor pains in Jamner, Baba felt compassion from Shirdi. He sent a packet of Udi with Gosavi Ramgir (Bapugir) to Nana. Nana gave the Udi to his wife to administer to their daughter with water, resulting in an immediate safe delivery.
    • The “Road Dust” Incident: In another case, a devotee’s daughter was suffering from the plague. Her father sent a message to Nana Chandorkar asking for Udi. Nana, who was at Thane railway station and had no Udi with him, picked up a little dust from the ground, invoked Sai Baba’s name, and applied it to his own wife’s forehead on behalf of the girl. At that exact moment, the girl’s fever broke and she began her recovery.
  • Baba is a Scientist in Optometry and Pharmacognosy

    Baba is a Scientist in Optometry and Pharmacognosy

    Optometry involves examining the eyes and related structures for defects and abnormalities. Pharmacognosy is study of crude drugs obtained from medicinal plants, animals, fungi and natural sources.

    Baba started practicing medicine in the village, examined patients and gave medicines. He was always successful, and He became famous as a Hakim (Doctor). A curious case may be narrated, about His knowledge of solving Eye problem with medicinal plants, here.

    One devotee got his eye balls quite red and swollen. No Doctor was available in Shirdi. The other devotees took him to Baba. Other Doctors would use ointments, Anjans, cow’s milk and camphorated drugs etc., in such cases.

    Baba’s remedy was quite unique. He pounded some ‘Beeba’ (Some Carpus Ana Cardium i.e. marking nuts) and made two balls of them, thrust them over each eye of the patient and wrapped a cloth-bandage round them (eyes). Next day, the bandage was removed and water was poured over them.

    The inflammation subsided and the pupils became white and clear. Though the eyes are very delicate, the Beeba caused no hurt, but removed the disease of the eyes. Many such cases were cured, this is only one instances in this regard.