How did Sai Baba test Kashiram's devotion and what was the ultimate purpose of this trial?

Sai Baba tested Kashiram's devotion through a period of induced financial hardship, a divine play detailed in Chapter 0. Kashiram had developed pride in his role as a provider to Maharaj, feeling personally slighted if his Dakshina wasn't accepted. Recognizing this as an obstacle to Kashiram's spiritual growth, Maharaj began to demand constant Dakshina from him. This continued until Kashiram had no money left and had exhausted his credit with the local grocer. The ultimate purpose of this trial was to dismantle Kashiram's ego and pride. By bringing him to a state of financial helplessness, Maharaj taught him the profound lesson that he did not have the inherent power to give, and that all wealth is ultimately a divine provision. Once Kashiram internalized this, his financial situation improved, and his attachment to the act of giving was purified.