The text mentions a 'Maharaj' who met Chandbhai. Is this a reference to Gajanan Maharaj?

This is a point of potential confusion, but the text does not connect this figure to Gajanan Maharaj. According to Chapter 0, the individual referred to as 'Maharaj' is the person who later becomes known as Sai Baba. He is called 'Maharaj' when he encounters Chandbhai, helps him find his lost horse, and travels with him to Shirdi. It is only upon entering the Khandoba temple that a goldsmith named Mhalasapati greets him with the words 'Aavo Sai Baba,' and he holds that name from then on. Therefore, the 'Maharaj' in this context is confirmed to be Sai Baba, with no mention of Gajanan Maharaj.