How did the villagers' perception of Sai Baba change after the incident with the lamps?

Initially, the villagers of Shirdi viewed Maharaj as an ordinary or even a mad Fakir due to his torn clothes and seemingly erratic behavior. As Chapter 0 explains, their perception shifted dramatically after he performed a miracle. When the local grocers refused to give him oil for lamps, Maharaj used water instead. To everyone's amazement, the water-filled lamps lit and burned all night. This event made the people realize his divine nature; they surrendered to him, apologized for their past insults and harassment, and their delusion was removed, finally understanding his true worth.