Why is the town of Shirdi considered as significant as major pilgrimage sites like Kashi or Pandharpur?

The town of Shirdi is considered exceptionally holy primarily because Sai Baba made it glorious with his divine presence, just as Paithan became known through Eknath. According to Chapter 4, devotees believe the very grass and stones of Shirdi are blessed because they had the fortune to be touched by Baba's feet. The text elevates Shirdi by equating it with numerous great pilgrimage destinations, stating, "Shirdi is our Pandharpur, Shirdi is Jagannath and Dwarka. Shirdi is Gaya, Kashi, Vishweshwar, and Shirdi is also Rameshwar." This reverence signifies that for a devotee of Sai, Shirdi offers the spiritual merit of all other holy places combined.