Based on the text, how did other contemporary saints perceive Sai Baba, and what does this suggest about his spiritual status?

The perceptions of other saints strongly suggest that Sai Baba's profound spiritual greatness was recognized early on, despite his humble circumstances. The introduction in Chapter 0 mentions that Shirdi was on a pilgrimage route, bringing many holy men to the area. A highly advanced saint named Janakidas spent a great deal of time with Maharaj. Even more strikingly, the famous Gangagir Baba, upon his first sight of Maharaj simply carrying water, identified him as a "purely a gem" of "very great" worth. This recognition by other advanced spiritual figures indicates that Maharaj's divine nature was apparent to those with spiritual insight, long before his fame became widespread.