How did the Patil's 'Satya-Sai vow' equate Sai Baba with a higher divine principle, and what was the impact of this practice?

The Patil's 'Satya-Sai vow' was more than just a ritual; it was a theological statement equating Sai Baba with the supreme deity. Chapter 13 draws a direct parallel, stating, 'There it is Narayan, here it is Sai; there is no difference in either.' By replacing the reading of the Satyanarayan story with the three chapters on Sainath from Das Ganu's work, the Patil effectively positioned Sai as the object of supreme worship. The impact was significant; the Patil found 'boundless happiness' and became 'peaceful in mind.' Furthermore, Chapter 13 notes that he started the tradition, and it 'became the custom in the village,' with recitations continuing one after another, spreading this devotional practice.