Can you explain the story of how Maharaj came to be known as 'Sai Baba'?

According to the introduction in Chapter 0, the name 'Sai Baba' was bestowed upon Maharaj when he first arrived in Shirdi. After traveling with a wedding procession, he entered the Khandoba temple where he met a resident named Mhalasapati. The text states that as soon as Mhalasapati saw him, he welcomed him with the words 'Aavo Sai Baba,' which means 'Come, Sai Baba.' Maharaj accepted and held onto this name for the rest of his life. It is even noted that when his testimony was taken in a commission and he was asked his name, he simply replied, 'They call me Sai Baba,' cementing this as his recognized identity.