The four women, who were feeling thoroughly embarrassed by this time, whispered among themselves for a few moments, and then set out in different directions to carry out Baba's instructions.

Since I was witness to this incident, I was naturally curious as to what it signified, and I questioned several people in Shirdi about it. I was told that there was a cholera epidemic in the village, and this was Baba's antidote to it! It was not the grains of wheat which had been put through the mill but cholera itself which had been crushed by Sai Baba, and cast out from the village of Shirdi.

To this day, a grinding stone is kept in the mosque with a sack of wheat beside it, as it was in Baba's time. This tradition goes back many years and is associated with an early devotee of Baba's, Balaji Patil, who was dedicated to Baba's service, cleaning the mosque every day and the streets through which Baba passed (this service was later taken over by Radhakrishnayi). Balaji was a farmer from Nevasa. Once there was a dispute between himself and the landowner, as Balaji claimed the property as his own. Balaji suggested that they go to Baba for arbitration and abide by his decision and the owner agreed to do so. Upon their entering the mosque Baba immediately called out to Balaji to return the land. Balaji used to offer all of his crop to Baba and only when Baba had accepted a part of it would he take the remainder for his livelihood. He maintained this practice thoughout his life and it was continued by his son after he died.

These days a bag of wheat is kept in a glass case by the grinding stone throughout the year, and is replaced annually on the festival of Ramnavami.