What was the spiritual reason behind Kashiram's financial downfall, and how was his prosperity eventually restored?

Kashiram's financial difficulties were not a punishment but a spiritual test orchestrated by Maharaj. Chapter 0 explains that Kashiram had developed pride, feeling that he had the 'power to give' Dakshina, which is an obstacle to spiritual progress. To remove this pride, Maharaj began a 'barrage of demanding Dakshina,' forcing Kashiram to borrow until he had nothing left. The entire Leela was designed to make him realize his helplessness. The moment Kashiram was convinced that he did not have the power to give, his ego was humbled. As Chapter 0 states, immediately following this realization, his financial condition began to improve, and he became prosperous as he was before, his spiritual path cleared of that particular obstacle.