Who was the Agnihotri from Nashik mentioned in Chapter 12, and why was his visit to Shirdi significant?

Chapter 12 introduces a ritualistic and orthodox Agnihotri (a keeper of the sacred fire) from Nashik, whose surname was Mule. His visit to Shirdi is portrayed as a pivotal and fortunate event, occurring due to the "strength of his past merits." The chapter emphasizes that without such merit, one cannot stay in Shirdi for even a moment. His story is set up as a "very delightful story" that illustrates the greatness of the Guru. Although his initial intention for the journey was different, a coincidence led him to Shirdi, where he gained the benefit of the holy place and came into the sight of his own Guru, which the text implies is a rare and significant spiritual opportunity.