How is Lord Ganesha described in the first chapter, and what is his connection to Sai Baba?

In Chapter 1 of the Sai Satcharitra, Lord Ganesha is described in great detail as the one to whom the author first bows. He is called the curved-trunk Heramba, the Lord of fourteen types of knowledge, and Lambodar (large-bellied) because the fourteen worlds reside in his belly. He is depicted holding a bright axe to destroy the obstacles of his devotees. The text explicitly states that Sai himself is identified with Ganesha Ganapati. This connection is reinforced by stating that Sai, like Ganesha, takes an axe in hand to destroy obstacles and bring forth knowledge. He is further described as the crescent-mooned, one-tusked Ganesha, and the compassionate Sai in a non-dual form.