One Lokanatha Mudaliar of Chennai became mentally ill, allegedly due to the evil doings of a tantrik. His relatives approached Satya Sai Baba, who suggested certain measures and Mudaliar was cured in due course. The grateful Mudaliar, a very rich man, offered to build a temple for Baba on his land at Guindy. He was convinced that Baba was God incarnate. It was, therefore, his earnest, devout wish that the temple must have Baba as the deity-in-chief. He was immensely pleased when Baba confirmed his acceptance in writing, but suggested that the idol should be that of the Shirdi Sai Baba.

The memorable day came. The Mudaliar family performed Paada Puja to the Baba and prayed that he imprint his feet on a piece of white silk cloth covered with sandal paste. Baba said, 'Today, I have installed the icon of Shirdi Sai Baba in the temple constructed by you. It is, therefore, only proper that you should have Shirdi Baba's footprints also on the cloth you have offered.' The devotee said, "Swami, your words are law to us, indeed! But, Bhagavan, how am I to get Shirdi Baba's footprints when he is not with us? The auspicious muhurtham is fast approaching. Only you can show us a way out of this difficult, rather, impossible situation." 

Baba smiled and said, "I will give you the imprints of Shirdi Baba, do not worry!" So saying, Satya Sai Baba stepped on the sandal paste-covered cloth. Wonder of wonders, the imprint made was not of the small tender feet of the very young Satya (this happened several decades ago), but of the longer, wider feet of the Shirdi Baba! Everyone present was amazed at this remarkable blessing of Baba and paid their reverential obeisance. "Hail, Satya Sai Baba, the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba, our humble salutations are offered to you here, now and ever". - "Om Sri Sai Shirdi Sai Moortaye Namaha!" - prayer to Sathya Sai Baba. 

Baba endorses the following ten-fold path to divinity for follow-up by all:

Love and serve the Motherland, do not despise the Motherland of others. Just as you love and respect your mother, so do others love their mothers.

Honour every religion. Follow yours devoutly. All religions are different pathways to God, the ultimate goal.

Mankind is a single community: Vasudaiva Kutumbakam - Therefore, love all.

Keep your home and environs clean. This means health and happiness for you and society.

Do not throw coins when beggars stretch their hands for alms. Help them to be self-reliant. Provide them with food and shelter, care for the sick, disabled and the aged.

Do not tempt others by offering bribes, or demean yourself by accepting bribes.

Shun jealousy, hatred and envy at all costs.

Become your own servant before serving others. Do not depend on others for your personal needs.

Be a role-model law-abiding citizen.

Adore God, abhor sin.