Before he became widely known, how was Sai Baba's true spiritual stature described by those who could see beyond his outward appearance?

Even when most villagers considered him a mad Fakir, his profound spiritual nature was recognized by at least one person. Chapter 0 contains a powerful quote from someone who observed Maharaj and said, 'This is a diamond. You don't know its true value. Even if he is on a dunghill, he is a direct diamond; keep this in mind.' This statement highlights that his immense value was apparent despite his humble and unconventional exterior. The text in Chapter 0 further elaborates on this duality by stating, 'He looks like a madman. But he is one who has swallowed the universe.' This description suggests that his seemingly ordinary or mad appearance was merely a veil for an infinite, all-encompassing consciousness.