Who were Madhavrao and Dixit, and what were they given before they left for Shirdi?

Madhavrao Balwant Deshpande was a resident of Shirdi, referred to as the 'priest of Shirdi'. Kakasaheb Dixit was a friend of Nanasahib Panshe and Appasahib Gadre, and he was very eager to visit Shirdi for Sai Baba's darshan. Their meeting was arranged at the house of Kakasaheb Mirikar. As described in Chapter 51, after their travel plans were settled, Balasaheb unveiled a repaired portrait of Sai Baba. This portrait, which had been sent from Shirdi for repairs, was entrusted to Madhavrao. He, in turn, handed it over to both himself and Dixit, symbolically stating, 'Go happily to Shirdi in Baba's company.' They took this sacred portrait with them on their night journey to Shirdi, feeling immense joy and delight at this occurrence.