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Sarva Sambhavam
Some people inquisitively ask, "Is there God? If there is, how does he look? Have you seen Him?
Many others wonder as to how much of faith they shoudl repose in God to earn his support in their endeavours.
This book, perphaps, provides answers to all such people.
Many others wonder as to how much of faith they shoudl repose in God to earn his support in their endeavours.
This book, perphaps, provides answers to all such people.
Unknown Binding
First published May 1, 2008
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563 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 23, 2022
#LongReviewAlert
4.5 Stars
One Liner: Inspiring and soothing
Naham Karta Hari Karta translates to ‘it’s not me but Hari who got things done’. The book is a memoir, a collection of incidents when the author was the Executive Officer at Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam (TTD) in Andhra Pradesh during 1978-1982.
‘When I saw Tirupati Balaji’ is the English translation though I have no idea how it is. You can see that the title isn’t an exact translation. I hope the book does justice to the original.
About the Author:
A memoir is only as relatable as the author. PVRK Prasad was an IAS officer with MA in English and LLB, with a Fellowship from Cambridge University. He was a Secretary to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (1971-72), Collector, Khammam (1974-77), EO of TTD (1978-82), and Media Advisor to former Indian Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao (and many more important positions). He became an advisor to the TTD board afterward.
It was his four years as the Executive Officer at TTD when a majority of the reforms took place in Tirupati. From building new pathways to changing internal policies, streamlining administration, fighting court cases that prevented progress, developing the surroundings around the temple and its premises, etc., are credited to him.
Prasad garu wrote a couple of books about his administrative experiences (which I might pick up if I find the audiobook). He passed away in 2017 (aged 75 years).
About the Book:
This book is a collection of incidents from his 4-year stint at Tirupati. It was first published as a series of articles in Swathi magazine. The book starts with how he was chosen for the post and the subsequent incidents that made him accept the offer. The last two chapters are more personal, one about his daughter’s marriage and another about how he became the man he was.
Each chapter deals with a different issue. He recollects incidents that made him wonder about life, faith, God, and our role in this universe. However, the book doesn’t preach religion. It is spiritual and philosophical, with loads of information about how government offices, bureaucracy, and politics work behind the scenes.
Every position of authority comes with a truckload of responsibilities and headaches. Pulling the wrong thread will mess things up rather than undo the intricate knots. He explains how he had to deal with protesters who objected to progress as it wasn’t beneficial for them.
Prasad garu talks about being stuck in a rock and hard place where his duty demands he provide the best facilities for devotees but the resistance from a whole bunch of people who are more than happy to profit from the loopholes. Of course, he is also answerable to politicians with wholly different priorities.
My Thoughts:
While this isn’t my regular genre, I was interested in reading it someday. We have a copy at home, and dad already shared a few incidents with me. Reading the whole book was going to be time-consuming, and I was more than happy to delay it.
Then I found an app with Telugu audiobooks and saw that this title was for free. It was too good to resist, and I decided to give audiobooks one last try before giving up forever. I liked the first couple of chapters (as in, I didn’t zone out even once) and continued listening to it.
I also realized that true to his words in the intro (there’s a small audio clip in his voice), the book should work for a range of readers. The bottom line is simple yet complex-
Trust your instincts, and stay true to yourself
Accept that things will go wrong but can be sorted
The solution comes in many forms, and it doesn’t have to be what you think it should be
The universe will help you if you ask (but you have to have faith in yourself and the universe)
Events cannot be viewed in isolation (chain reactions and cycles are an integral part of our lives)
There will always be things you don’t know
Attitude matters; you are who/ what you manifest
A change of perspective can clear a roadblock
These aren’t something new. Thousand of self-help books, podcasts, blogs, videos, etc., say the same. It’s how we take it that matters.
He talks about his associations and interactions with the Dasa Sahitya project, the literature of the bhakti movement in Kannada, Swami Ranganathananda, a head Swami of Ramakrishna Math, and MS Subbulakshmi. Balancing traditions and progress wasn't easy, but he showed how it could be done.
The highlight is the chapter with the book’s title, which was pretty much an impossible task (replacing the centuries-old dwajha stambham with a new one). Prasad garu was transferred to another important post six days after this momentous task was fulfilled.
He explains in a different chapter how it was rare to stay in a position for four long years as an IAS. The transfers were frequent, but since he brought major developments, the government extended his responsibilities until he could complete them all.
His wife and children are also mentioned in the book. While the kids don’t have much role, his wife, Gopika, played a vital role in a few chapters. The words reflect his love and respect for her without any declarations.
What I love the most is how Prasad garu doesn’t shy away from sharing certain parts of his past. The last chapter is dedicated to how he changed for the better after becoming the EO and TTD. In fact, the last chapter makes us see the book and the person in a different light.
Prasad garu is also open about his uncertainties, fears, doubts, anguish, happiness, contentment, and tears. How many times has he mentioned that tears of grief or happiness flowed through his eyes! So what if he was an IAS and a civil servant? He was a human, and every word reflected that.
My Audiobook Experience:
Well, this is the first audiobook that worked for me. The reading isn’t perfect, but it did the job. The narrator, Konduru Tulsidas, the app's founder and a retired officer from the Andhra Pradesh Board of Education, brought out the necessary intonations and emotions in his voice.
Still, I listened to the book throughout the month. I started with a chapter or two per day and could stretch to three long chapters (~1hr total).
Since each chapter was independent, the book worked very well as an audio version. Being in conversational Telugu (but of premium quality with some poetic metaphors) helped the most. Listening is a different experience when someone talks in detail about administration (also, I’m used to it, thanks to my dad).
To Summarize:
I dug out the physical copy of the book and found that it has black & white pictures included with some chapters. Though I know that this was a book I had to listen to.
I’ve always felt that some books come to you when the time is right. This is one of those books. It seems fitting that I conclude the review in Prasad garu’s words- Naham Karta Hari Karta…
4.5 Stars
One Liner: Inspiring and soothing
Naham Karta Hari Karta translates to ‘it’s not me but Hari who got things done’. The book is a memoir, a collection of incidents when the author was the Executive Officer at Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam (TTD) in Andhra Pradesh during 1978-1982.
‘When I saw Tirupati Balaji’ is the English translation though I have no idea how it is. You can see that the title isn’t an exact translation. I hope the book does justice to the original.
About the Author:
A memoir is only as relatable as the author. PVRK Prasad was an IAS officer with MA in English and LLB, with a Fellowship from Cambridge University. He was a Secretary to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (1971-72), Collector, Khammam (1974-77), EO of TTD (1978-82), and Media Advisor to former Indian Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao (and many more important positions). He became an advisor to the TTD board afterward.
It was his four years as the Executive Officer at TTD when a majority of the reforms took place in Tirupati. From building new pathways to changing internal policies, streamlining administration, fighting court cases that prevented progress, developing the surroundings around the temple and its premises, etc., are credited to him.
Prasad garu wrote a couple of books about his administrative experiences (which I might pick up if I find the audiobook). He passed away in 2017 (aged 75 years).
About the Book:
This book is a collection of incidents from his 4-year stint at Tirupati. It was first published as a series of articles in Swathi magazine. The book starts with how he was chosen for the post and the subsequent incidents that made him accept the offer. The last two chapters are more personal, one about his daughter’s marriage and another about how he became the man he was.
Each chapter deals with a different issue. He recollects incidents that made him wonder about life, faith, God, and our role in this universe. However, the book doesn’t preach religion. It is spiritual and philosophical, with loads of information about how government offices, bureaucracy, and politics work behind the scenes.
Every position of authority comes with a truckload of responsibilities and headaches. Pulling the wrong thread will mess things up rather than undo the intricate knots. He explains how he had to deal with protesters who objected to progress as it wasn’t beneficial for them.
Prasad garu talks about being stuck in a rock and hard place where his duty demands he provide the best facilities for devotees but the resistance from a whole bunch of people who are more than happy to profit from the loopholes. Of course, he is also answerable to politicians with wholly different priorities.
My Thoughts:
While this isn’t my regular genre, I was interested in reading it someday. We have a copy at home, and dad already shared a few incidents with me. Reading the whole book was going to be time-consuming, and I was more than happy to delay it.
Then I found an app with Telugu audiobooks and saw that this title was for free. It was too good to resist, and I decided to give audiobooks one last try before giving up forever. I liked the first couple of chapters (as in, I didn’t zone out even once) and continued listening to it.
I also realized that true to his words in the intro (there’s a small audio clip in his voice), the book should work for a range of readers. The bottom line is simple yet complex-
Trust your instincts, and stay true to yourself
Accept that things will go wrong but can be sorted
The solution comes in many forms, and it doesn’t have to be what you think it should be
The universe will help you if you ask (but you have to have faith in yourself and the universe)
Events cannot be viewed in isolation (chain reactions and cycles are an integral part of our lives)
There will always be things you don’t know
Attitude matters; you are who/ what you manifest
A change of perspective can clear a roadblock
These aren’t something new. Thousand of self-help books, podcasts, blogs, videos, etc., say the same. It’s how we take it that matters.
He talks about his associations and interactions with the Dasa Sahitya project, the literature of the bhakti movement in Kannada, Swami Ranganathananda, a head Swami of Ramakrishna Math, and MS Subbulakshmi. Balancing traditions and progress wasn't easy, but he showed how it could be done.
The highlight is the chapter with the book’s title, which was pretty much an impossible task (replacing the centuries-old dwajha stambham with a new one). Prasad garu was transferred to another important post six days after this momentous task was fulfilled.
He explains in a different chapter how it was rare to stay in a position for four long years as an IAS. The transfers were frequent, but since he brought major developments, the government extended his responsibilities until he could complete them all.
His wife and children are also mentioned in the book. While the kids don’t have much role, his wife, Gopika, played a vital role in a few chapters. The words reflect his love and respect for her without any declarations.
What I love the most is how Prasad garu doesn’t shy away from sharing certain parts of his past. The last chapter is dedicated to how he changed for the better after becoming the EO and TTD. In fact, the last chapter makes us see the book and the person in a different light.
Prasad garu is also open about his uncertainties, fears, doubts, anguish, happiness, contentment, and tears. How many times has he mentioned that tears of grief or happiness flowed through his eyes! So what if he was an IAS and a civil servant? He was a human, and every word reflected that.
My Audiobook Experience:
Well, this is the first audiobook that worked for me. The reading isn’t perfect, but it did the job. The narrator, Konduru Tulsidas, the app's founder and a retired officer from the Andhra Pradesh Board of Education, brought out the necessary intonations and emotions in his voice.
Still, I listened to the book throughout the month. I started with a chapter or two per day and could stretch to three long chapters (~1hr total).
Since each chapter was independent, the book worked very well as an audio version. Being in conversational Telugu (but of premium quality with some poetic metaphors) helped the most. Listening is a different experience when someone talks in detail about administration (also, I’m used to it, thanks to my dad).
To Summarize:
I dug out the physical copy of the book and found that it has black & white pictures included with some chapters. Though I know that this was a book I had to listen to.
I’ve always felt that some books come to you when the time is right. This is one of those books. It seems fitting that I conclude the review in Prasad garu’s words- Naham Karta Hari Karta…
January 26, 2021
This is one of the best book I have read so far.. the energy at the start carried away till the end. Which paved me into mesmerized spirituality. Prasad gaaru had penned it so well that each and every word in the book touched the core, each of my body drenched in the ecstasy for life (especially in tirumala). When I came to know about prasad gaaru.. one thing I thought was to read his book and foremost I thought of it reading in English. After reading this book in telugu, I thought it was worth which means that I would have missed out the originality or significance of his saying due to the language. There are so much emotions like you feel like crying, want to experience such is the only beautiful thought. Let's hope for the best! Title speaks it all "Naham Karta! Hari Karta" (I thought that I did, but behind that work there is God)
November 25, 2014
I am so happy to have read this book for it has brought so much of positivity in me. It has not only reinstated my belief in God, but also helped me get a better grip on my religious ideologies. This book is nowhere about preaching and that's the best aspect of it. The way the Executive Officer (the author) leaves every important decision of his life on God, and how he is still able to find a way out is amazing. The best lesson to drive back home having read this book is "miracles happen with those who believe". Simply amazing!
September 13, 2016
This book takes you into the orbit of spirituality!
January 13, 2020
It was a great experience
February 14, 2021
For details on the history of certain laws governing the functioning of Tirumala Temple in addition to the holy details of the Lord, this book is must read.
July 16, 2023
This shall not be a book review, but an overflow of the deepest of emotions ebbing from within after reading this magnificent book. To call it a book would be to objectify the deepest knowledge and devotion contained within it. To term it as the words of the all pervading Bhagwan in the form of human experiences is a better analogy. The book was a gift from a dear friend cum colleague who has been more of a brother than just an acquaintance. Why I found this book now, perhaps at one the challenging phases of life, is a mystery I may never solve?
The author, Sri P. V. R. K. Prasad, is truly a blessed soul. To be the first servant to the Kaliyuga Varada Srinivasa is only possible with accumulation of punya over multiple births. Sri Prasad was fortunate to have this divine opportunity for 4 years and be able to render service to the Bhagwan as well as to the Bhaktas and make ever-lasting changes, are not just a factor of his abilities, but is also reflection of the divine blessings upon him. His role as TTD Executive Officer also enabled him to interact with multiple Mataadipatis, Swamis who have an ever lasting impact on his personality as captured in the final chapter of the book.
The book is a collection of 30 unique events in Sri Prasad’s tenure as TTD Executive Officer, starting from his reluctance to take up the posting to the unique experience of his daughter’s marriage. The one common thread across all these experiences is the unique divine hand in making the impossible possible. Human mind considers that anything that can’t be comprehended is impossible. Yet, we do come across unique experiences, where contrary to human belief, events unfold which can shock the common understanding. It is during these unique experiences, one has the opportunity to reflect and identify the divine hand influencing the grander scale of things.
Each of these experiences is unique and overwhelming. Every single chapter had evoked strong emotions within me culminating in unexplainable tears. It is no wonder that it took me sometime to read this book, but perhaps, the whole experience of reading and assimilating the book itself is a journey one needs to undertake. To say one experience is greater than the other is to belittle Bhagwan’s Leela. However, few examples such as the Varuna Japa, Ralpalli Ananthakrishna Sarma’s incident, Srivilliputhur experience, Dhwaja Stambham episode are reminders of Sri Srinivasa’s ever benevolent blessings on the human race in this Kaliyuga.
Read the book. Gift the book. Spread the words about this book far and wide. It is MUST HAVE, MUST READ BOOK for everyone. Last but not the least, let’s not forget:
Naham karta harih karta
Tatpuja karma chakhilam
Tadapi matkruta puja
Tatprasadena na anyadha
I am not the doer; It is Bhagwan Sri Hari who does & gets everything done. If I happen to perform any puja / good deed, it is possible only because of his grace & not otherwise
The author, Sri P. V. R. K. Prasad, is truly a blessed soul. To be the first servant to the Kaliyuga Varada Srinivasa is only possible with accumulation of punya over multiple births. Sri Prasad was fortunate to have this divine opportunity for 4 years and be able to render service to the Bhagwan as well as to the Bhaktas and make ever-lasting changes, are not just a factor of his abilities, but is also reflection of the divine blessings upon him. His role as TTD Executive Officer also enabled him to interact with multiple Mataadipatis, Swamis who have an ever lasting impact on his personality as captured in the final chapter of the book.
The book is a collection of 30 unique events in Sri Prasad’s tenure as TTD Executive Officer, starting from his reluctance to take up the posting to the unique experience of his daughter’s marriage. The one common thread across all these experiences is the unique divine hand in making the impossible possible. Human mind considers that anything that can’t be comprehended is impossible. Yet, we do come across unique experiences, where contrary to human belief, events unfold which can shock the common understanding. It is during these unique experiences, one has the opportunity to reflect and identify the divine hand influencing the grander scale of things.
Each of these experiences is unique and overwhelming. Every single chapter had evoked strong emotions within me culminating in unexplainable tears. It is no wonder that it took me sometime to read this book, but perhaps, the whole experience of reading and assimilating the book itself is a journey one needs to undertake. To say one experience is greater than the other is to belittle Bhagwan’s Leela. However, few examples such as the Varuna Japa, Ralpalli Ananthakrishna Sarma’s incident, Srivilliputhur experience, Dhwaja Stambham episode are reminders of Sri Srinivasa’s ever benevolent blessings on the human race in this Kaliyuga.
Read the book. Gift the book. Spread the words about this book far and wide. It is MUST HAVE, MUST READ BOOK for everyone. Last but not the least, let’s not forget:
Naham karta harih karta
Tatpuja karma chakhilam
Tadapi matkruta puja
Tatprasadena na anyadha
I am not the doer; It is Bhagwan Sri Hari who does & gets everything done. If I happen to perform any puja / good deed, it is possible only because of his grace & not otherwise
June 5, 2018
Loved the narration. It is interesting to know that many of the events/facilities that we see in Tirumala right now have been done when the author was the Executive Officer. Throughout the book, he talks about how different events unfolded and how he could see the invisible force behind the happenings. His approach while describing a problem and possible solutions is pretty analytical and he has the humor of suggesting how certain events would appear to a rational mind vs a believing mind. This is a great read.
April 17, 2015
What a book to start your devotional journey! this was my first devotional book referred by friend Sai, Thanks to him.
April 8, 2021
A good read !!!
August 17, 2021
Great book.. author shares his experiences of divine grace
April 18, 2022
Where to start? EO ga pani chesina PVRK Prasad gari prayanamlo ah Kaliyuga pratyaksha daivam ayina ah Srinivasude teesukochi Tirumala ki Raa nuvvu pani chey...bhaktulaki kanisa saukaryalu ichi tadwara na seva chesko ani cheppinattu undi!! Vese prathi adugulo ah daivam ey kanpinchadu....antha eeshwarecha antamu....prathi kathani swami vare likhinchinattu theta thellamaindi....Edhi yadruchikham ga anpinchaledhu. ! Mukhyamga kasula haaram lo swami varu pilichi ah kutumbanitho cheyinchukovatam, daniki prasad gari thodpaatu kalagatam.....swamy vari maya kakapothe marenti? Ilanti divyaanubhoothini panchina ee pusthakaniki, ratings, review ivvatam kudardhu...Chadavandi, anubhoothi chendhandi!! Om Namo Venkateshaaya __/\__
February 20, 2024
One of the very few books that makes you feel relieved. Don’t know how many times tears rolled down my eyes. Most heartwarming read for sure. Coming from a priestly family I can say most of the things said here i can relate to it. Non- believers can say whatever they want. There is a supreme power that is guiding us through hard times and challenges. One of the very few books that doesn’t require anyones approval or appreciation. Sri PVRK Prasad has indeed done fabulous job as a EO of TTD which still many pilgrims are utilising to this day. Author not just rants about his work or the Divine power of Bhagavan Srinivasa but also criticises his own actions and how he used to be reckless with his own unusual traits that all changed when he stepped foot in Thirumala. Truly a divine read for this year.
July 31, 2024
Splendid journey of an illustrious IAS officer as TTD EO. Reading this made me realise how crucial is TTD EO in bringing changes to the TTD temple and for the devotees. He has devoted his tenure in service of lord and brought many reforms under TTD. His charisma and the clarity of thought were captivating throughout the book. Most of the stories are heart smitten and brings upon a smile. This book doesn’t promote any religion or spiritual thought but describes his real experiences as a messenger of god in upliftment of temple and its activities .
June 18, 2017
Nice collection facts about divine help and works dine with it. In general it is not sure who and why all these happens....to make our self in console state we say all happen from divine.....but the truth has always its own face depending on context and mind set.
August 5, 2023
Beautiful!!
Just beautiful!
That's all I can say.
Just beautiful!
That's all I can say.
November 6, 2023
I read this column long long back when it was published in Swati weekly. Now I intend to read it once again
October 25, 2024
It feels wonderful to see someone have such episodes involving god in their life.It gave me a lot of satisfaction.
Want to read
July 1, 20212015
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews