What is the significance of the Godavari river and its connection to Sai Baba's appearance in Shirdi?

The Godavari river holds great significance in the narrative presented in Chapter 4. It is described as a holy river whose water destroys sins and cures the 'disease of worldly life.' Shirdi is situated near its banks. The text explicitly connects the river to Sai Baba's purpose, stating that this 'Lord of Yoga' appeared on the Godavari for the sake of uplifting the world. His presence there is considered the 'great merit of Shirdi,' linking the sacredness of the location with the sacred purpose of the saint who chose to reside there.