Why did Kashiram, a dedicated devotee, experience a period of severe financial hardship under Sai Baba's watch?

Kashiram's financial troubles were not a punishment but a profound spiritual lesson orchestrated by Sai Baba. As explained in Chapter 0, Kashiram had developed a subtle pride, believing 'I have the power to give' because he felt immense satisfaction when Maharaj accepted his Dakshina. God's constant resolve is to remove such obstacles from a devotee's path. To dissolve this pride, Maharaj caused Kashiram's finances to dwindle while simultaneously increasing his demands for money. This forced Kashiram into a state of helplessness, leading to the crucial realization that he was not the 'giver.' Once this lesson was learned and his pride was gone, his prosperity was restored.