Why did Sai Baba cause his devotee Kashiram to suffer financial ruin? Was it punishment for giving Baba a green kafni instead of the usual white one?

The provided text does not suggest Kashiram's financial difficulties were a punishment for giving Maharaj a green kafni. Instead, chapter 0 explains this was a deliberate Leela by Maharaj to address an obstacle in Kashiram's spiritual path. Kashiram had developed pride in his ability to give Dakshina and would feel hurt if Maharaj did not accept it. To remove this pride, Maharaj caused him to face financial hardship and then relentlessly demanded Dakshina, forcing him to borrow until he could no longer give. This experience made Kashiram realize he did not have the power to give, thus removing his pride and allowing his prosperity to return.