Who was Devidas and what was his role in Shirdi as described in Chapter 5?

As detailed in Chapter 5, Devidas was a highly respected wise man who had settled in Shirdi twelve years before Sai Baba's appearance with the wedding party. He lived a very ascetic life at the Maruti temple, wearing only a loincloth. Despite his young age, his importance grew, and he was supported with provisions by villagers like Kashiram. Devidas was an active teacher; he taught Appa Bhill using a slate, making him and others read and memorize the Venkatesh Stotra through regular lessons. His wisdom was so acknowledged that Tatyaba took him as a Guru, and other prominent disciples revered him. His established spiritual authority formed the backdrop for the scriptural debate where he defeated a visiting Fakir.