Can you explain the metaphor of the river used at the beginning of the chapter?

At the start of Chapter 47, a metaphor is used where a river feels she has become impure from the sins of people bathing in her. To 'wash away her accumulated impurities,' the river yearns for the 'dust from the feet of saints.' She knows that without the saints' feet touching her waters, there can be 'no deliverance from her sins.' This metaphor illustrates the profound purifying power attributed to saints like Sai Baba. Just as the river desires the physical presence of a saint for cleansing, it implies that a devotee's soul, burdened by worldly impurities or sins, can be purified through contact with a true saint or by hearing their holy words.