Who was the friend that accompanied Kaka Mahajani to Shirdi, and what were his initial beliefs about saints?

The friend who accompanied Kaka Mahajani was a person who was averse to idol worship and a devotee of the formless. As described in Chapter 35, his feelings contrasted with Kaka Mahajani, who held holy feelings towards saints, as this friend was prone to doubts and suspicions. He agreed to visit Shirdi not out of devotion, but out of a 'clinical curiosity,' and set firm conditions that he would not bow his head to the saint or offer any Dakshina.