Who was Chand Patil and why is he considered important in Sai Baba's story?

Chand Patil was a resident of Dhup village in the Aurangabad district, described in Chapter 5 as a 'fortunate Muslim man.' His importance in Sai Baba's history is pivotal because he was the instrument for Baba's return to Shirdi. After losing his mare and being led to Baba through a series of events, he witnessed Baba's miraculous powers. It was with Chand Patil's wedding party that Baba, who had been 'hidden' for some time, traveled back to and ultimately settled in Shirdi, making Patil's chance encounter a key event in the Sai Satcharitra.