Why did Baba subject his devotee Dev to such a confusing test? If he wanted to attend the meal, why not just appear as himself instead of in the guise of a Sanyasi, which caused Dev's doubt and distress?

The story of Dev's Udyapan, as told in Chapter 40, illustrates a profound lesson about the nature of faith and perception. While the source doesn't explicitly state Baba's motive for the "test," his actions and words suggest it was to teach Dev to look beyond mere physical form. When Dev complained, Baba's response was, "You did not recognize Me! Why then did you call Me?" This implies that inviting Baba is an act of faith that should transcend appearances. By appearing as a Sanyasi—a form Dev had previously encountered in a different context—Baba challenged Dev's perception and attachment to a specific image. Dev's eventual realization, as detailed in Chapter 40, led him to lament his "pride of knowledge" and grow in devotion, showing that the difficult experience ultimately served to deepen his faith.