How did the individual known as Maharaj come to be called 'Sai Baba' upon his arrival in Shirdi?

Upon arriving in Shirdi with a wedding procession, Maharaj went into the Khandoba temple. According to the introductory Chapter 0, he was wearing a kafni, a cap, and a dhoti. Inside the temple, he met a goldsmith named Mhalasapati, who was a devotee of Khandoba. As soon as Mhalasapati saw him, he greeted him with the words "Aavo Sai Baba," which means "Come, Sai Baba." From that moment on, Maharaj held that name until the end, and most of his devotees referred to him as Sai Baba or Baba. When later asked his name in a commission, he confirmed, "They call me Sai Baba."