Beyond the primary deities, who else does the author pay homage to at the beginning of his writing, and why?

The author's invocations extend far beyond the main deities, creating a comprehensive tapestry of reverence. Chapter 1 shows him bowing to a wide array of revered figures. He salutes the great sages and authors of sacred texts, including Yajnavalkya, Valmiki, and Vedavyasa, acknowledging them as foundational figures. He then prostrates before the lineage of Maharashtrian saints such as Nivritti, Jnaneshwar, and Tukaram. Finally, he offers heartfelt salutations to his own ancestors—his grandfather, his father, his mother, and the aunt who raised him—honoring their roles in his life and spiritual journey.