Who were the first people to welcome Sai Baba in Shirdi and what was their role within the village community?

Upon his arrival in Shirdi, the first person to welcome the man who would become Sai Baba was Mhalasapati. Chapter 0 recounts that Mhalasapati, a local goldsmith, greeted him at the Khandoba temple with the phrase 'Aavo Sai Baba.' Following this welcome, Mhalasapati brought him into the village and introduced him to his companions, Kashiram Shimpi and Appa Jagle. The text describes these three men as individuals who took it upon themselves to serve and look after the various saints, Gosavis, Bairagis, and Fakirs who frequented the busy village, providing them with hospitality according to their means.