What was Baba's life like before he permanently moved into the mosque?

Before staying in the mosque, Sai Baba lived in a place called the Takia, which was a resting place for Fakirs. Chapter 5 notes that he remained there for a long time, undisturbed. During his time at the Takia, Baba would engage in devotional practices that were full of beauty and love. He would tie bells to his feet, dance beautifully to the beat of a small tambourine known as a khanjiri, and would also sing sweetly, expressing his devotion.