How did Sai Baba get his name, and who were his first acquaintances in Shirdi?

Sai Baba received his name upon his arrival in Shirdi. As detailed in Chapter 0, he entered the Khandoba temple wearing a kafni, cap, and dhoti. A gentleman named Mhalasapati, a local goldsmith and devotee of Khandoba, saw him and welcomed him with the words "Aavo Sai Baba" (Come, Sai Baba). Maharaj, as he was known before, adopted this name for the rest of his life. When his testimony was taken in a commission and he was asked his name, he replied, "They call me Sai Baba." Mhalasapati then introduced Baba to his companions, Kashiram Shimpi and Appa Jagle, who were known for serving saints visiting the village.