How does Chapter 1 describe Lord Ganesha, and what is his specific role in the context of the Satcharitra?

In Chapter 1, Lord Ganesha is described with reverence as the 'curved-trunk Heramba' and 'Lambodar' (large-bellied), because the fourteen worlds are said to reside in his belly. He is depicted holding a bright axe to destroy the obstacles faced by his devotees. His role is paramount for the author, who invokes him as the 'destroyer of obstacles' for the obstacle-free completion of the book. The chapter also identifies Sai Baba himself with Ganesha, stating, 'This Sai himself is Ganesha Ganapati; this Sai, taking the axe in hand and destroying obstacles, shall bring forth his own knowledge.'