Kusha Bhav

Kusha Bhav, whose real name was Krishnaji Kashinath Joshi, was a Brahmin from Mirajgaon, near Ahmednagar. He was meant to follow his family's hereditary work as village priest, but he wanted a life of devotion. He found a guru, Datta Maharaj, who taught him yoga and breathing practices. Against his guru's wishes, he also learned mantras for worldly powers, and could make sweets appear by uttering a mantra.

Around 1908 his guru left for the Himalayas and sent him to Sai Baba, whom he called his elder brother. In Shirdi, Baba made Kusha Bhav give up his iron bangle and his mantra practices completely. He lived very simply, begging for food, reading the Dasbodh in the Masjid by day and sleeping wherever he could at night.

Kusha Bhav observed that Baba never taught philosophy or gave mantras to anyone. Instead, Baba strengthened people's faith in God through his grace, and gave udi from the dhuni to those who were ill. Devotees later believed that by Baba's blessing Kusha Bhav could bring forth udi from his own palms while remembering Baba, which he gave to people in need.