In Chapter 29, the text refers to 'the Maharaj'. Is this a direct reference to Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon?

No, the reference to 'the Maharaj' in Chapter 29 is not a reference to Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon. Within the context of the chapter, the title 'Maharaj' is used to respectfully refer to Sai Baba himself. Verse 8 states, 'Thus the Maharaj was of generous disposition, steadfast in charity and righteousness,' which directly follows descriptions of Sai Baba's charitable acts of giving money to the poor and needy. The provided text for this chapter is entirely focused on Sai Baba's divine play and character, without mentioning any other specific contemporary saints like Gajanan Maharaj.