How did other holy men recognize the spiritual greatness of Sai Baba?

Other saints recognized Maharaj's stature through their own spiritual insight, often at first glance. For instance, chapter 0 recounts how the famous Gangagir Baba, upon seeing Maharaj carrying water, immediately declared him to be a "gem" of great worth and told the villagers they were lucky. Similarly, Anandnath Maharaj of Akkalkot was so compelled to meet him that he spontaneously joined a cart coming to Shirdi. Upon arrival, he proclaimed that Maharaj was a "diamond" whose true value the local people did not yet understand.