How does Chapter 1 of the Sai Satcharitra establish a connection between Sai Baba and Lord Ganesha?

Chapter 1 of the Sai Satcharitra establishes a profound connection between Sai Baba and Lord Ganesha by directly identifying them as one and the same. After the initial salutations to Ganesha as the remover of obstacles, the text declares, "This Sai himself is Ganesha Ganapati; this Sai, taking the axe in hand and destroying obstacles, shall bring forth his own knowledge." This passage equates Sai's role as a Guru with Ganesha's divine function of clearing the path for devotees. The chapter reinforces this by describing Sai as the "crescent-mooned Ganesha" and the "destroyer of the forest of obstacles," presenting Sai as the compassionate, non-dual embodiment of auspiciousness who takes his devotees to the abode of self-bliss.