Who is the true narrator of these stories? Is it the author Hemad, or is someone else speaking through him?

The text clarifies that the ultimate source of the narrative is Sai Baba himself. Chapter 47 explains that Sai, described as the 'eye of the eyes and the ear of the ears,' enters the author's heart and narrates the account directly. The author, Hemad, presents himself as merely a conduit, stating, 'who is Hemad? He is merely a nickname.' This chapter emphasizes that Sai Samarth is simultaneously the story, the speaker, and the face behind the words. Therefore, while Hemad is the writer, the stories are considered to be the direct speech of the powerful Sai.