Based on the provided texts, how did Sai Baba show that faith in the Guru could substitute for or even transcend traditional pilgrimages?

Sai Baba demonstrated that profound faith in a Guru could yield the same, if not greater, spiritual benefits as traditional pilgrimages. The most direct example of this is found in Chapter 4 with the story of Das Ganu. When Das Ganu wished to travel to Prayag for a holy dip, Baba proclaimed that Shirdi itself was Prayag and urged him to have firm faith. He then miraculously manifested the holy waters of the Ganga and Yamuna from his own toes. This powerful leela taught Das Ganu and other devotees that the presence of the Guru is the ultimate holy place, and unwavering devotion towards him can fulfill the purpose of any pilgrimage, making long journeys unnecessary.