How did the general public in Shirdi initially perceive Maharaj, and what event caused this perception to change?

In his early days, as described in Chapter 0, the villagers of Shirdi considered Maharaj to be an ordinary or even a mad Fakir. He wore torn clothes, sat in random places, and sometimes assumed a fierce form, which reinforced this public perception. Their delusion was shattered by a miraculous event. When the shopkeepers refused him oil for his lamps, Maharaj used water instead, and the lamps burned all night. This act made the people realize his true worth, and they surrendered to him, acknowledging his greatness and apologizing for their previous misjudgment.