Baba fasted all day on 27 March 1953 (which was Mahavir Jayanti [birthday]) and the next day began a partial fast of one meal a day until 10 April. The women joined him by eating only breakfast and lunch until the 10th.
While in Dehra Dun, another seeker from Uttar Pradesh called Swami Premananda unexpectedly arrived, requesting an interview with Baba. Formerly, he had been a professor of English, but he had left his position to pursue a life dedicated to finding God. Baba allowed him to come inside and Premananda bowed down to him.
Baba inquired, "How did you happen to come here?"
Premananda replied, "I heard of you during a visit in Uttar Kashi and felt drawn to meet you. I have resolved to give up all worldly attachments and lead a life under your spiritual guidance."
"There are many gurus and teachers here and in Rishikesh," Baba pointed out. "What made you come to me?"
"I feel that you are the One who can lead me to the Goal," he replied.
"Many come to me seeking material gains, relief from physical suffering or for a suitable wife or husband. I am happy that you have come solely for spiritual guidance."
Baba continued, "You want to stay with me, but that is not easy — it requires great daring. And above all, those who stay with me have to obey me implicitly."
The swami replied, "I am ready to obey you."
Baba instructed him to sit outside the room for fifteen minutes to reconsider. Premananda did so, and when he returned he said, "My decision to obey you remains unchanged."
Baba looked very serious and spelled out, "Remember one thing carefully. It is easier to sit naked on a snowbound peak of the Himalayas doing meditation, japa and tapa [repetition of God's name and penance] than to live with me and obey me implicitly!"
Baba then stated, "Listen attentively. There are three orders that I want you to follow: For the present go back and stay wherever you want to, but without fail come to see me after exactly one month. During this month, read my books and messages, and do not touch any woman.
"Will you do it?"
Premananda said yes. "One more thing," Baba added. "When you come back after a month, come alone; do not bring anyone else with you."
Premananda gladly agreed and left. How well Premananda obeyed these three seemingly simple orders will be seen.
During this period, Babadas asked for a few days' leave to return to Nagpur, and Baba granted him permission on condition that he must be back in Dehra Dun after 12 days. He left on 28 March 1953 — sadly never to return. His head was shaved and his beard clipped, because Baba wanted him no longer to pose as a saint.