Why did Sai Baba appear as a Fakir to Appasaheb, and what is the significance of the "necklace of nine gems"?

As explained in Chapter 33, Sai Baba's appearance in the form of a Fakir to Appasaheb was not a random act but a pretext for receiving Dakshina that was born out of love for his devotee. The text poses the rhetorical question, "had there been no love for Appa, why would Baba come in Fakir form?" It was a test and a story for the benefit of all devotees. Separately, the chapter mentions a "necklace of nine gems" which is described as a symbol for the treasure of ninefold devotion and love (Navavidha Bhakti). It represents Baba's form of remembrance and is a powerful metaphor for the profound spiritual wealth he bestowed upon those he touched.