What is the story and significance of the Sai Baba portrait that Kakasaheb Dixit encountered before his trip to Shirdi?

The appearance of Sai Baba's portrait was a pivotal and miraculous event for Kakasaheb Dixit. As Chapter 51 explains, this specific photograph was deeply revered by Megha, another devotee who worshipped it as Lord Shankar. The glass on the portrait had broken, so it was sent from Shirdi to Nagar for repairs and was being kept, covered, in Mirikar’s drawing room. Just as Dixit's travel plans with Madhavrao were finalized, Balasaheb Mirikar unveiled the portrait. For Dixit, who longed for Baba's darshan, seeing this beautiful image right on his way was an overwhelming experience of joy and a sign that Baba himself had come to accompany him to Shirdi.