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

As detailed in Chapter 0, some of Maharaj's earliest and most devoted companions in Shirdi were Mhalasapati, Kashiram Shimpi, and Appa Jagle. Mhalasapati, a goldsmith, was the individual who first addressed Maharaj as 'Sai Baba.' Together, these three men would serve and provide hospitality to the various saints, Gosavis, Bairagis, and Fakirs who frequently visited the busy village of Shirdi. After becoming total devotees of Maharaj, their service became more focused. Kashiram, for instance, served Maharaj 'excellently, with body, mind, and wealth,' providing everything from clothing to firewood for the Dhuni and money for Dakshina.