Describe the significance of the portrait of Sai Baba that Dixit received before his journey to Shirdi.

The portrait of Sai Baba played a crucial role in strengthening Kaka Saheb Dixit's faith. Chapter 51 describes how Dixit was deeply longing for Baba's darshan when this 'all-captivating portrait' was unveiled at Mirikar's house. The fact that the portrait, which had come from Shirdi, appeared at the exact moment of his longing was seen as a profound leela. Dixit was 'overwhelmed with joy' and prostrated before it. The text suggests this was the 'seed-sowing of this attraction towards Baba as a Guru,' making Dixit feel as if the capable Sai had personally come to meet him under this pretext, demonstrating that Baba directly acts to fulfill the heartfelt wishes of His devotees.