Can you tell me about the Agnihotri from Nashik mentioned in Chapter 12 and why his story is introduced?

Chapter 12 introduces the story of an orthodox and ritualistic Agnihotri (a keeper of the sacred fire) from Nashik, with the surname 'Mule'. The text explains that he came to Shirdi due to the strength of his past merits, noting that without such merit, no one can stay in Shirdi even for a moment. This story is presented as a "very delightful story" meant to illustrate the greatness of the Guru. As Chapter 12 hints, the Agnihotri's original purpose for his journey was different, but a fortunate coincidence led him to Shirdi, where he would ultimately gain a vision of his own Guru.