From the perspective of the devotees, why was it considered important to stop at Shirdi, even when on a pilgrimage to another major holy site like Kashi?

Devotees and pilgrims were drawn to Shirdi primarily because of Sai Baba's immense fame as a living saint. Chapter 29 explains that his reputation for being "patient, generous, and self-controlled," as well as his steadfast charity, had spread far and wide. People heard of his divine play "from ear to ear" and developed a strong desire for his darshan. For the group of travelers on their way to Kashi, stopping at Shirdi was not a detour but a significant spiritual opportunity. Seeing a great saint like Sai Baba was considered a pilgrimage in itself, a chance to receive blessings and witness his incomprehensible wisdom firsthand.