Sai Mahabhakta Chidambar Keshav Gadgil alias Annasaheb Gadgil was an ardent devotee of Shri Sai Baba. Hence, He frequently visited Shirdi for Baba's darshan. Gadgil was a Government Servent who served as Chitnis (Assistant) at the Collector's Office in Ahmednagar. He held this post for a long time. As Shirdi is in Ahmednagar District he was able to visit Shirdi quite often.

Later he got promoted to the rank of Mamlatdar (District Revenue Officer) at Sinner. As Sinner is just 60 miles away from Shirdi, it was quite easy for him to come to Shirdi frequently. Afterwards, he was transferred from Sinner to a far off place with the Transfer order stating to join immediately. Gadgil was saddened by the thought that he would not be able to have Baba's darshan quite frequently. With the transfer order, he boarded the train which was to pass through Kopargaon. As the train halted at Kopargaon Railway Station, he was overwhelmed by sarrow. He thought for a moment: "I am so close to Shirdi. Yet So far as I cannot make my pilgrimage". As the train pulled out of the station, his eyes were filled with tears and he pinned to have Baba's darshan. At that time suddenly, a small paper packet fell on him. He opened it and was surprised to find that it contained Udi. He kept the packet safely with him. After some time, he was able to go to Shirdi. There Baba asked: "Tu Aala Naahis Manoon Mee Tula Udi Patavilee Thee Pohochali Naa?" - meaning "Because you could not come, I sent you a packet of Udi. You gopt it? Didn't you?". Hearing these words He was filled with love and joy. He put that Udi in a talisman and kept it with him at all times.

Chidambar Keshav Gadgil was also an Upasak of Lord Ganesha. He strictly followed all the rituals that has been prescribed in Scriptures for Lord Ganesha. He also prayed to Baba's photograph in his home with all the rituals pertaining to Lord Ganesha.

During one of his visits to Shirdi, Baba was seated with some of his devotees at the Dwarakamai Masjid. Then, Baba pointing towards Gadgil said: "Throw this Mahatara (meaning old man) out, he says that there is a rat below my Gaddi (mattress)". Gadgil was extremely happy to hear this, for Baba had accepted his mode of doing Puja. As you are all aware, Rat is the Vehicle or Vahan of Lord Ganesha.

(Source :Shri Sai Leela Magazine, Jyeshta Shake 1845, Ank 3, Year 1, 1923 and Baba's Vaani by Vinni Chitluri)