Who were Sai Baba's earliest devotees in Shirdi, and what was their role in the community before meeting him?

Chapter 0 introduces Sai Baba's first devotees in Shirdi as a trio of friends: Mhalasapati, Kashiram Shimpi, and Appa Jagle. Mhalasapati, who first named him, introduced Baba to his two companions. Before Baba's arrival, these three men were known in the village for their charitable nature. They made it their practice to serve and provide hospitality to the various saints, Gosavis, Bairagis, and Fakirs who frequently passed through the busy village of Shirdi, offering care according to their capacity. They all became total devotees of Maharaj.