Upasni looked quite innocent and asked one of the men, "Don't I already walk about in clothes, officer?" The policeman was astounded to see Upasni robed in a long, yellow silk religious gown called a pitamber (worn during worship ceremonies). He bowed to Upasni and asked his pardon and left. During this incident the policeman's superior saw Upasni naked except for the gunny sack, but was afraid to arrest him.
After a short stay in Nagpur, Upasni returned to Shirdi and again inhabited the Khandoba Temple. During this period, the austere tone of penance surrounding the place disappeared and was replaced by a festive atmosphere as devotees began to gather in great numbers.
From 1915 to 1917, many of those who came to Shirdi to receive Sai Baba's darshan would also go to the Khandoba Temple to take Upasni Maharaj's darshan. Despite the hot sun or winter cold, people would sit outside his temple listening to him discourse, and once even during a heavy rain they did not leave until the Sadguru finished.
One particular day, a religious teacher who professed to be a swami came to Sai Baba. He arrogantly considered himself on an equal level with the Sadguru. Pompously swaggering into Sai Baba's presence, the swami asked, "How do you do?"
"I am fine," Sai answered. "It is good that you have come. I need someone I can trust with an important errand. Will you do it?"
"Yes," said the swami, "if it is important."
"Go to Vithoba's Temple and bring me Rs.400," instructed Sai Baba.
"From Upasni Maharaj?" the swami inquired.
"Yes, from him. Go right now and bring the money back immediately. I need it urgently."
The swami sought out Upasni, who was sitting under a tree outside the temple. Haughtily, the swami demanded, "Sai Baba has especially sent me to collect Rs.400 from you. Hand it over at once!"
Hearing this, Upasni suddenly stood up, grabbed the man and beat him with his fists. After several blows, Upasni asked, "Have you received your Rs.400 yet?"
The swami was bruised and shaken up, yet he returned to Sai Baba and told him what had happened. Sai Baba laughed, "He might not have given Rs.400 to me, but it is good that he gave them to you!" The swami's pride was shattered and he knew that his own arrogance was responsible for this punishment. He left humbled.