Describe the first group of devotees who looked after Maharaj in Shirdi and their general practices.

As recounted in Chapter 0, after Mhalasapati welcomed Maharaj into Shirdi, he introduced him to his companions, Kashiram Shimpi and Appa Jagle. These three men—Mhalasapati, Kashiram, and Appa—became Maharaj's first devotees. They had a pre-existing practice of serving and looking after saints, Gosavis, Bairagis, and Fakirs who visited the busy village of Shirdi, providing hospitality according to their means. All three became total devotees of Maharaj, with Kashiram in particular serving him with body, mind, and wealth. Both Kashiram and Appa later passed away on an Ekadashi day.