I'm confused about the portrait's journey. The text says it came from Shirdi to Mirikar's house, but then Dixit and Madhavrao take it with them to Shirdi. Why would they take it back to the place it just came from?

The sequence of events surrounding the portrait in Chapter 51 can seem a bit circular, but the text provides a clear path. The portrait was first brought from Shirdi and entrusted to Madhavrao at Kakasaheb Mirikar's house. It was seeing this very portrait there that overwhelmed Dixit with joy and solidified his desire to go to Shirdi. The text explains that 'after this was settled, taking the portrait with them, Madhavrao and Dixit set out with joyful hearts.' Their decision to carry the portrait on their journey was an act of devotion, inspired by its very appearance. They were not simply 'returning' it; they were bringing this sacred object, which had catalyzed their journey, with them to receive Baba's blessings.