The author was initially very cynical and prone to debate. What circumstances led him to Shirdi despite his nature?

Despite being a staunch debater and proud of his own wisdom, the author's journey to Shirdi was orchestrated by destiny. Chapter 2 reveals that if not for a past-life connection with Kakasaheb Dixit and Nanasaheb Chandorkar, he would never have gone. It was due to Kakasaheb's insistence that the trip was even planned. The author's cynicism was so strong that his mind suddenly changed on the very day of departure. His worldview was likely shaped by events like the one he recounts, where a close friend's son died from a fever despite all human and divine remedies, including the presence of a Guru, which reinforced his critical mindset.