Who was given Sai Baba's portrait at Mirikar's house, and for what purpose?

According to Chapter 51, Balasaheb entrusted the repaired portrait of Sai Baba to Madhavrao Deshpande. This happened at Mirikar's house where Kakasaheb Dixit was also present. The purpose was for Madhavrao and Dixit to take the portrait with them on their journey to Shirdi. Balasaheb handed it over, saying, 'Go happily to Shirdi in Baba's company.' This act was seen as Baba himself accompanying them on their pilgrimage, bringing immense joy to Dixit, who had been longing for Baba's darshan.