Who were the first devotees of Sai Baba in Shirdi, and what was their collective role in the village before meeting him?

The first devotees of Sai Baba in Shirdi were a trio of friends: Mhalasapati, Kashiram Shimpi, and Appa Jagle. The Introduction in Chapter 0 explains that before Baba's arrival, these three men were known for their hospitality towards saints, Gosavis, Bairagis, and Fakirs who visited the busy village of Shirdi, serving them according to their capacity. Mhalasapati, a goldsmith, was the one who first named him 'Sai Baba' upon seeing him at the Khandoba temple. He then introduced Baba to Kashiram and Appa, and all three became his total devotees.