Which specific encounter led to Maharaj being called 'Sai Baba' for the rest of his life?

The name 'Sai Baba' was given to Maharaj upon his arrival in Shirdi. As detailed in the Introduction (Chapter 0), when Maharaj, dressed in a kafni and cap, entered the Khandoba temple, a resident devotee named Mhalasapati greeted him with the words "Aavo Sai Baba," which means "Come, Sai Baba." Maharaj adopted this name from that moment forward. The text notes that when later asked his name in a commission, he even stated, "They call me Sai Baba," confirming that Mhalasapati's spontaneous welcome became his permanent identity.