Who was Devidas, and what was his significance in Shirdi before Sai Baba's return?

Chapter 5 of the Sai Satcharitra introduces Devidas as a wise individual who had settled in Shirdi twelve years before Sai Baba's arrival with the wedding party. He lived at the Maruti temple, wearing only a loincloth. Devidas played the role of a teacher and Guru in the village; for instance, he taught Appa Bhill using a slate and made everyone recite the Venkatesh Stotra. His wisdom was so respected that other leading disciples like Tatyaba and Kashinath considered him their Guru and fell at his feet.