How is Lord Ganesha described in Chapter 1, and what is his significance in relation to Sai Baba?

In Chapter 1, Lord Ganesha is described with several reverent titles. He is called the curved-trunk Heramba, Lambodar (large-bellied) because the fourteen worlds reside in his belly, and the holder of a bright axe to destroy the obstacles of devotees. He is seen as the boat to cross the ocean of worldly existence. Significantly, the chapter makes a direct connection by stating, "This Sai himself is Ganesha Ganapati." This implies that Sai Baba embodies the qualities of Ganesha, taking up the axe to destroy obstacles and bring forth his own divine knowledge for the benefit of his followers, as detailed in these opening invocations.