What spiritual significance is attached to Sai Baba's practice of begging for food as described in Chapter 9?

Chapter 9 of the Sai Satcharitra provides a profound spiritual explanation for Sai Baba's daily practice of begging for food. The text clarifies that this was not an act of necessity for himself but was performed for the welfare of his devotees. It is stated that he followed this habit until the end of his life for the "removal of the ‘Panchasuna’ and other sins" of the households he visited. This implies that by accepting alms, Baba was symbolically absorbing the karmic demerits associated with daily household activities, thereby purifying his devotees. As Chapter 9 suggests, this was a manifestation of his mercy and his role in ensuring the spiritual well-being of his followers.