Why did Sai Baba start demanding Dakshina from Kashiram to the point of financial ruin, and what was the outcome?

Sai Maharaj's seemingly harsh demands for Dakshina from Kashiram were a profound spiritual lesson designed to remove an obstacle from his path. Chapter 0 explains that Kashiram felt pride in his ability to give, which is a hindrance to spiritual progress. Maharaj's constant demands, even forcing Kashiram to borrow until his credit ran out, were a Leela to dismantle this pride. Once Kashiram was convinced he did not have the power to give, his pride vanished, and his financial condition miraculously improved, making him prosperous once again.