Who was Mhalasapati, and what role did he and his companions play in Shirdi before and after meeting Sai Baba?

Chapter 0 introduces Mhalasapati as a resident of Shirdi, a goldsmith by caste, and a devout follower of Khandoba. Before meeting Maharaj, he and his companions, Kashiram Shimpi and Appa Jagle, had a practice of serving and providing hospitality to the various saints, Gosavis, Bairagis, and Fakirs who frequented the busy village of Shirdi. Upon meeting Maharaj, it was Mhalasapati who first addressed him as "Sai Baba." Following this meeting, all three men became total devotees of Maharaj, with Mhalasapati introducing him to the village and his friends.