When did the universe begin? How did the universe with its beings come into existence? Why does the universe exist at all? What was there before the Big Bang? What is the purpose of human life? What happens after the dissolution of the universe, in the scenarios of the Big Rip or the Big Crunch?
For those who dare to ponder the profound mysteries of existence, these questions may seem cliché but can ignite a deeper thirst for knowledge—ones that push the boundaries of conventional scientific understanding.
"Who Banged the Big Bang" uncovers a groundbreaking connection between physics and philosophy, illustrating how an ancient wisdom can shed light on some of science’s greatest enigmas.
Through an exploration of consciousness, creation, and human potential, the book offers a transformative framework for understanding both the observable universe and the wonders that lie beyond.
Inside the book, you'll discover:
- The dynamic interplay of consciousness and matter in the creation of the universe
- The significance of what existed before the Big Bang
- The convergence of quantum physics and an ancient wisdom
- The crucial role of human intellect in grasping infinity
- Ways to cultivate the extraordinary ability to explore these mysteries yourself
From achieving a life of peace and fulfillment to excelling in your studies, advancing your career, and reaching for the heights of human accomplishment, this book provides the keys to unlocking the profound mysteries of existence.
Are you ready to explore what lies on the other side?
Prabha is a distinguished meta-physicist, engineer, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of dedicated research into Causality, Creation, Infinity, Consciousness, and Self-Development. His lifelong quest to explore the deeper dimensions of reality has led him to bridge the gap between the scientific and the metaphysical.
Noticing that many thinkers, scholars, scientists and curious readers often struggle to grasp trans-scientific ideas, Prabha has made it his mission to present these profound concepts in a clear, accessible, and contemporary manner. Through this approach, he brings complex insights within reach of readers from all walks of life.
Prabha has successfully applied metaphysical methodologies in his engineering ventures, achieving both personal growth and significant material success. He firmly believes that anyone can embark on this transformative journey; and, with the right mindset, accomplish extraordinary things.
He currently resides in Dubai with his wife, Rosh, whose unconditional support has been integral to all his endeavours.
Anyone who asks questions about the universe and the existence of everything inside it will enjoy this read. The chapters flow well from one topic to the next and keep the reader engaged throughout. Highly recommend.
This book totally caught me off guard—in the best way possible. Who Banged the Big Bang! is not your average science read. Prabha Karan dares to ask the questions we’ve all thought about but often push aside because they feel too big or too abstract. A really recommended Book.
I have to admit that sometimes reading these types of books can be difficult, monotonous and a bit scientific. For a person who likes to be entertained, who finds it hard to keep his attention, reading books like these can be more difficult than it seems. However, this book is the exception, the narrative, the order and development of the chapters proposed by the author make this book a very entertaining adventure that proposes interesting discussions around one of the great myths of humanity. Sometimes judging a book by its cover or title can be misleading. My advice to skeptical readers would be to always be surprised by books! Highly recommended!
This book answers some of the questions that we probably asked when we were growing up.. who am I?, how did we get here?, and where do we go from here? This book breaks down all those questions and gives the answers in a way that everyone can understand. It also explains how to improve our everyday lives, to get the most of what is available to each and everyone of us. How to improve our minds over our bodies and to bring harmony and cohesion in ourselves. Highly recommended read. You don't have to have a PhD to understand this book. Just go in knowing you will come a more knowledgeable person for reading it.
An ideal book for curious minds “Who banged the Big Bang?”, written by Prabha Karanis, is an informative piece of writing that delves into important contributions to advancement in medicine, technology and philosophy. Throughout the pages, the author poses some questions to let readers think about topics related to human life or death, universe and other queries that many people wonder about. So, it’s a book that triggers more questions and invites you to rethink many of the topics that you've learned throughout life. In fact, when I started reading it, I felt a bit confused because it seems that I don't know anything but after some pages, I was able to finally grasp the nitty-gritty of the book itself. I liked the way it's written and explained. I highly recommend it to curious minds.
Conspiracy and science, the most fascinating questions in life are the ones that leave us thinking about countless possibilities. That is the case with the Big Bang. Thanks to researchers, we know such an event occurred, but what came before that?
This book is simply fascinating. I enjoy reading about these kinds of theories and exploring different perspectives. The author takes a key approach, combining research while explaining it in a very accessible way. These topics are not easy, there is a lot of science behind them, especially physics, and they could easily shift from fascinating to boring due to a lack of understanding. However, in this book, you will remain engaged the entire time.
It is a great book to read if you want to learn about science easily and explore a possible perspective on the big questions we ask ourselves but may never have a definitive answer to.
This book raises questions that, although they have been around for a very long time, continue to cause a great level of intrigue in all human beings. How sure can we be about the reasons for the Universe? Even though we are in a much more advanced moment of life, it is still a complex unknown, with many edges and theories that are still under study. The book is fascinating, because it raises all the big questions of the universe and puts on the table some very interesting theories that science has tried to solve and exposes them in a very clear and interesting way. It has been a long time since I read about these topics and I must say that I love it. I highly recommend it.
This book caught me from the beginning and I think it will be the same for anyone who is interested in the great mysteries of the universe. As a student at a religious school, and as a science lover, I have seen the analysis of these topics from very different perspectives, and I really liked the analysis that the author presents. Who Banged the Big Bang! by Prabha Karan not only is a curious analysis of the origin of the universe, it is an invitation to reflect and cuestion already known theories and seek even deeper knowledge, all in a simplified way. It is definitely a book for curious people wanting to learn more and more!
To tell the truth, although it may sound unpopular, I had never been interested in the bing bang, in understanding it or even in getting to know this theory. It seemed to me a complex and boring subject in which I did not want to invest time. However, the narrative and immersive language of this book changed my interest and position on this apparent event, beyond the reality or not of these facts. This book is good for those of us who don't know much about it, but still want to at least know what it's all about. You don't need to be a scientist to understand it and this was one of the things that caught my attention. Highly recommended!
I have chosen to define this book with the word interdisciplinary because it combines science, philosophy, and spirituality in its attempt to unravel what we can currently define as the most complex mysteries of humanity regarding the universe.
This book teaches us that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the universe has no limits and must transcend the barriers between disciplines. It also invites us to question our beliefs, open our minds to new ideas, and recognize that the answers to the great mysteries may be found at the intersection of different fields of knowledge.
I really liked that the author’s style is friendly, stimulating, and focused on simplifying complex concepts, encouraging reflection and critical thinking.
One of the most frequently asked questions I ask myself is how we got here, how everything in this world began. This book aims to answer that question from beginning to end. And the author takes us on a surprising journey through time and space to answer this simple question. I wouldn't consider it just a science book; I think it goes much further, with messages that make us reflect on everything in this world. I really liked the author's writing style, as it is direct and, above all, very captivating. This book touches on incredible topics, such as infinity and life itself. Each chapter has left me with a unique experience. I truly recommend this book, as it has very relevant information.
If you're a curious person always searching for answers about why we exist, how we were created, or what happens after death, this book is for you. ''Who Banged the Big Bang!'' is a unique and interesting book that attempts to explain all these important questions in a simple way. I found it very attractive and intriguing. The author has the ability to easily explain each theory. This book has two chapters that I enjoyed and, for me, were the positive parts: Intellect Ignored, and Mind Abandoned, and Human Composition. This book is useful for expanding your knowledge and general culture and will make you rethink our existence. I highly recommend it.
I’m no physicist, I’m more of an editor, yoga teacher, and energy worker type, but I’ll admit I’m fascinated by quantum physics, dark matter and the mysteries of the universe. I thoroughly appreciate the way this book lays it out in a way that’s easy to digest. Especially enjoyed the first half on body, mind and intellect, that lead to the big bag theories which are absolutely fascinating! Impressively well written, and well rounded, I’ll have to pick up a copy for my daughter who’s studying astrophysics at university. She likes to step away from all the math equations for a minute and I know she’ll love the intellectual approach of this book as much as I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and author Prabha Karan for the opportunity to read Who Banged the Big Bang!. This is my honest review of the ARC, and I truly appreciate it.
🧠 Expectations vs. Reality 🧠 When I picked up this book, I anticipated a deep dive into the origins of the universe - cosmology, the Big Bang, and perhaps some scientific or metaphysical interpretations of creation. Instead, the first 30% focused almost entirely on the human body and mind, which felt more like an extension of the author’s previous work Cherish or Perish. While the material was detailed, I struggled to see how it connected meaningfully to the concept of the universe’s birth. And also 90% of the book is about human body, intellect, soul, yoga and religion perhaps. That's how it felt in general.
🌌 My thoughts during the reading 🌌 The book raises intriguing questions about the eternity of the soul and reincarnation, shifting the focus from cosmic creation to spiritual continuity. There’s a recurring idea that the universe existed in a “non-manifest” state before the Big Bang and may return to that form again, suggesting an endless cycle of transformation. While thought-provoking, these ideas felt more philosophical than scientific, and their speculative nature made them difficult to fully grasp or evaluate.
One of the central themes is the comparison between the human body and the universe. This was a novel concept for me, but I found the analogy hard to accept. The scale, energy, and complexity of the universe seem vastly different from those of the human body, making the comparison feel uneven. The book frequently returns to discussions of chakras, levels of consciousness, and bodily elements, which again seemed disconnected from the cosmological focus I was expecting.
The idea that consciousness is eternal and somehow equivalent to the universe is explored, but I found it difficult to reconcile. The question of what happens after death is, of course, deeply rhetorical and unknowable, but the book leans heavily into spiritual interpretations that may not resonate with all readers.
The strong religious undertones throughout the book—linking the universe’s creation to divine intention—ultimately made the reading experience less meaningful for me. While I understand the intention to build a unified theory of man and cosmos, the spiritual framework felt too dominant and overshadowed the scientific curiosity I was hoping for.
🧠 Final thoughts 🧠 Who Banged the Big Bang! offers a unique and ambitious attempt to connect human existence with cosmic origins. However, the heavy emphasis on metaphysical and spiritual themes, along with repeated detours into human anatomy and consciousness, made it difficult for me to stay engaged with the central premise. Readers interested in philosophical and spiritual interpretations of the universe may find this book compelling, but those seeking a more scientific or cosmological approach might feel misled.
I'm a sucker for a big question in a title, and is the a bigger question than Who Banged The Big Bang? Though from the cover and the general tone (and the fact that this is the kind of revelation I'd expect to be all over the news if discovered by a major scientist and their team), I wondered if we were in "Who Built The Moon?" territory. And we sort of are, except Who Built The Moon was heavy on the conspiracy theories and things "they don't want us to know". Prabha Khan wants us to know his theory, and to chase after The Infinite! And like any decent evangalist, he starts the book by praising his readership, pointing out that only the Rarest Of Humans Probe "The Infinite" (title of Chapter 1), using some rather impressively back of a fag packet maths to narrow down his audience to about 10 million people who are suitable to follow his method. But I don't want to follow a method, I just want to know who banged the big bang...
I have to add a word here that the concept of Infinity within itself I have always treated with a high degree of scepticism, so my dodgy theory radar was engaged almost instantly, particularly when I realised the use of the mathematical scientific term The Infinite is being used here very much as a synonym for Enlightenment. Indeed the more the book unfolds, the more it looks like an attempt to create a scientific and philosophical underpinning for Buddhism. Indeed there is one particular bit of slight of hand that is so brazen that its quite impressive, using the law of conservation of energy he proves that reincarnation must be real.
The book takes its time defining its terms, breaking the universe (and the body) into Gross Matter (physical stuff), Subtle Matter (stuff that acts) and Causal Matter (the potential to act). The body then gets split into all sorts of further subdivisions in a bit of a classic 18th century metaphysical way, to over explain (I got a Bishop Berkeley vibe from it all). But you do eventually get to who banged the big bang, and its a smart bit of extrapolation from his initial reincarnation position. Namely that before the universe formed, it existed in a state of potential (the causal universe). But there also existed all of the consciousnesses that would ever exist, and by virtue of consciousness they has the ability to act without matter, and thus will the universe into existence to then be able to manifest. So like in Who Built The Moon, the answer is US? We banged the big bang, or at least each of our consciousnesses put together. And therefore to seek The Infinite is to reach the state of consciousness where we no longer reincarnate and thus ascend to the state where again we could bang a big bang if a big bang needed banging. And quite a lot on yoga.
Not really for me, and certainly there was a lot of skin reading in the last half, but entertainingly inventive, and he doesn't appear to be asking for any money or getting you to join a cult.
Who Banged the Big Bang!: A Mind-Expanding Journey Through Cosmic Mysteries Rating: 4.5/5
Prabha Karan’s Who Banged the Big Bang! is a rare intellectual adventure that bridges the chasm between quantum physics and existential philosophy with audacious clarity. As someone who typically approaches big questions with scientific skepticism, this book disarmed me—its synthesis of ancient wisdom and modern cosmology didn’t just challenge my thinking; it rewired it.
Why This Book Stands Out Karan’s genius lies in reframing cosmic mysteries (the Big Bang’s origin, consciousness’s role in creation) as invitations rather than impenetrable puzzles. The chapter linking quantum entanglement to Vedantic concepts of unity left me breathless—finally, a plausible bridge between spirituality and science that avoids New Age vagueness. Her treatment of pre-Big Bang existence as a philosophical imperative rather than a scientific dead-end is revolutionary. The human intellect as cosmic interpreter thesis transforms readers from passive observers to active participants in universal inquiry.
Emotional Impact & Revelations This book evoked awe and occasional frustration—a sign of its intellectual provocation. Sections on the Big Rip’s existential implications triggered visceral existential vertigo, while practical exercises for exploring infinity (like meditative thought experiments) felt unexpectedly empowering. Most profound was Karan’s insistence that wonder is a cognitive tool; by the end, I found myself staring at night skies with renewed reverence.
Constructive Criticism The physics-philosophy balance occasionally tilts toward abstraction—concrete analogies (like Feynman diagrams for lay readers) could strengthen accessibility. The ancient wisdom references, while compelling, need clearer sourcing to satisfy academic rigor. A glossary would help track specialized terminology across chapters.
Final Verdict A luminous addition to the science-meets-spirituality canon—think The Tao of Physics meets A Brief History of Time, but with Karan’s distinctive visionary flair.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and the publisher for the gifted copy. This is the kind of book that leaves coffee cold and notebooks full.
Pair with: The Hidden Reality (Brian Greene) for parallel multiverse theories or The Upanishads for deeper dives into referenced wisdom traditions.
For fans of: Carlo Rovelli’s poetic physics, Bernardo Kastrup’s consciousness research, and The Cosmic Serpent’s interdisciplinary daring.
Note: Keep a highlighter and existential crisis blanket handy—you’ll need both.
Pondering the mysteries of the universe and how we got here is not the kind of thing most people spend a lot of time on these days, especially with all the digital distractions like texting, social media and streaming shows. But, as Prabha Karan points out in detail in his book “Who Banged the Big Bang: Trans-Scientific Mysteries Decoded, Simplified,” it’s a worthy endeavor, especially if one is seeking higher purpose. The book explains in great detail the contents of our earthly vessel, the body, and of what many consider to be the soul, or as he terms it, the causal body. He explains how to access your intellect and channel it to achieve infinity. He also examines the parallels between the ideas in his book and of traditional religion and how they are not exclusive to each other. On the road to achieving infinity, Karan shows ways to live a life headed to it, by proper nutrition, exercise, especially yoga and sleep. He points out the importance of good deeds to build goodwill in each life. And yes, the path to infinity can include many lives and he explains how each one is a building block along that road. Through the study of Vedanta, someone can begin a journey toward infinity through various forms of yoga and meditation, and he details how to do that. And he wraps all of this up with an explanation of the universe and what preceded it and what will succeed the Big Bang and how these tie in with a human looking to achieve infinity. It’s a lot to take in but Karan’s detailed explanations, as well as how each chapter leads smoothly into the next one enables someone determined to learn to do so. It’s a primer but he also includes resources in the book for those looking to expand their knowledge of the topic and delve deeper into the fascinating concepts. For anyone raised on science fiction novels or steeped in the yearning to figure out more about our origin story, this is a riveting, as well as instructional, book that can take you on a captivating trip. Highly recommended.
I picked up Who Banged the Big Bang! because I’ve always loved books that ask big questions — What came before the universe? What is consciousness? This one did not disappoint. The moment I started reading, I felt a strange excitement mixed with confusion — like I was peeking into something huge and unknown.
The structure is thoughtful but not always linear. Prabha Karan begins by laying out familiar scientific ideas — Big Bang, cosmology, mathematics — then gradually he layers in metaphysics, ancient wisdom (Vedanta), and spiritual ideas. He walks you through concepts like gross matter, subtle matter, causal matter, and consciousness. Bits are philosophical, bits are speculative, bits are scientific. Sometimes I had to pause, reread, think, because the flow shifts from hard-science ideas to spiritual introspection.
What hit me most was how he treats consciousness as more than just brain-stuff. He argues that before the universe, there was “potential” — a kind of dormant infinite reality. That felt big. That felt like staring up at the stars and wondering whether we had something to do with the act of creation. Some ideas felt controversial or hard to accept, but they stirred something inside me.
The writing is clear in many parts, though occasionally heavy when metaphysical terms come in. But those moments are forgiven, because they also force you to stretch your thinking. The book drifts between science, philosophy, spirituality — and that can feel wild. But that’s its strength: it doesn’t settle; it keeps you asking.
Emotionally, I felt awe, curiosity, discomfort (because some claims demand belief or open mind), wonder. I closed it feeling both small and part of something vast.
If you like probing, mind-stretching books that don’t give neat answers but nourish your curiosity, Who Banged the Big Bang! is worth your time. Just come ready to wonder aloud
Prabha Karan’s book seeks to synthesize Vedantic teachings and lifestyle into an easily readable introductory text for interested parties. The book is laid out in two parts. In the first part, Karan carefully lays outs a logical and scientific approach to the Vedantic ideal of becoming Infinity. He persuasively shows how concepts that have been considered purely religious constructs can actually be mapped onto scientific and logical thoughts and arguments. This portion of the book will remind readers of philosophy and science classes, especially as readers will see hints and conclusions reminiscent of Hume, Descartes, Plato, Newton, Einstein and Kant.
The second part is concerned principally with Vedantic Hindu techniques and beliefs, briefly summarizing and explaining the many concepts, principles, texts and practices needed to capture Infinity. Karan stays away from a step-by-step guide in this section, which even he argues would be unhelpful, in favor of a general blueprint moving from prerequisites to requirements to necessary undertakings to gain Infinity.
Indeed the entire text feels like a callback to a time when science, philosophy and religion informed and interweaved within and through each other. Like his other work, Cherish or Perish, it is a type of manifesto behooving readers to focus on humanity’s true purpose: capturing Infinity. Unlike his previous work, it is a far more technical text and is specifically tailored to a subset of humanity, principally those individuals engaged with scientific endeavours.
Although this book is far more in-depth than his other and written with a specific audience in mind, it is a rather interesting interplay and call-to-arms for people to consciously build and focus on an important purpose rather than become mired in distractions. Moreover, it argues and shows what is entailed in order to find and capture Infinity and thus break the life and death rebirth cycle that all life is engaged in.
The intellect is the most useful tool for any person. Thanks to it, we can reason objectively and understand our environment. But we live in a complex world where each discovery brings more questions. To help us better understand the universe we inhabit and ourselves, we have Who Banged the Big Bang! In this book, Prabha Karan explains in detail what the intellect, consciousness, and subtle bodies are and then delves into more complex topics. In this way, he combines critical thinking, facts, and philosophy to help us to know ourselves better.
Opinion: Prabha Karan presents a wide variety of topics with clear and detailed explanations. The tone of the narration is formal when required, but the examples are simple, grounding the information. I like that he starts with simple terms until he gets to the more complex concepts. Even so, the reading can become dense at some points, but the progressive pace makes it easy to understand new ideas. In addition, the visual support is quite helpful. Although the illustrations are few and simple, they are colorful and easy to understand.
However, the Big Bang topic is less touched upon than others, and it is not taken more in-depth until chapter 18. I expected to see more information on this. Also, the content is strongly leaning more towards philosophy than science. For example, Prabha Karan talks about the teachings of the Vedas, the law of karma, and other systems of thought. And while there are scientific facts, I did not find them balanced with the metaphysical aspect. Despite this, the book is a well-structured guide in its composition. I recommend it to those who want a new perspective on the world and themselves.
I want you to know I gave it a good try. I won this book from Goodreads because...why not? The title looked interesting. Once I started reading it, I really wanted to put a "did not finish" after finishing practically every page, but I made it to about page 130 before I gave up on this ridiculous "Buddhism-adjacent" New Age psychobabble. The author really (and I mean REALLY) seems to think that he has answered all the questions of the universe. However, in so doing, he makes some utterly absurd claims about what his thinking has proven. For example, because energy cannot be created or destroyed, he seems to take as a given that this proves the validity of reincarnation. He also, because he thinks that he has "proven" that thoughts are matter, that thoughts can travel faster than the speed of light, simply because in the next instant, I can think of a galaxy billions of light-years away at the edge of the universe. Another howler is his insistence that he has "proven" that mind and consciousness cannot be produced by matter, so this proves that there is a "universal consciousness" that is immaterial and eternal. You know what? I believe that there may actually be a sort of "universal consciousness," but dear god, not for the rationales he posits. I've read my share of Daniel Dennett's work on similar subjects; I was sad to read of his passing a little over a year ago. I can't help but wonder what he would have made of this book, but he didn't suffer fools gladly, so I suspect his take would have been pretty brutal. Some people may consider me "close-minded" for finding this book laughable, So be it. Finally, there's a reason this book was self-published. I'm very glad I didn't waste any money on it.
After Reading Karan’s ‘Cherish or Parish,’ I Had to Get ‘Who Banged the Big Bang’— AMAZING
Prabha Karan’s ‘Who Banged the Big Bang!: TransScientific Mysteries Decoded’ took me through so many avenues of scientific exploration that I am going to read it again, possibly a few times. But within the explanation of human life, history and creation, the reader will get valuable material from chapters such as ‘Human Goals,’ which is filled with sub-chapters such as ‘Goals of Security,’ ‘Goals of Comfort’ and then Goals of Invisible Wealth,’ and then he tears them up with ‘Defects in These Goals.
The example above shows how his mind works and how it serves to set forth concepts, giving them a solid foundation, and look at them from every angle for further inquiry. Truly fascinating. His brilliant mind does not steamroll the reader but instead takes him steadily along for the ride, enhancing all aspects of life in the process.
Here is an explanation from the book on ‘The Dream and Deep Sleep States’—'Once again, the first stage of our three-factor analysis is to establish the condition of the subtle body during this state. During the dream state, the subtle body is only partially manifested. To be precise, out of all the 20 components of the subtle body, only a figment of the memory is active during the dream state. This is a singular experience in which only the dreamer participates, accessing memories stored by the waking state.’
I include this to show you what you are in for in this fantastic book, which is frankly too voluminous to properly explain or enumerate in this short review. Your brain will work hard reading ‘Who Banged the Big Bang!,’ a good thing, and your understanding of yourself and your world will be enhanced, an even better thing!!
This is a fascinating read for anyone curious about the universe and the mysteries of existence. The author has blended science, philosophy, and human questions in a way that is both thought-provoking and easy to understand. I liked how the author has simplified the complex ideas, especially those rooted in physics, and explained them in simple language without losing their depth. The chapters flow smoothly from one theme to another, making it an engaging read. At first, I felt slightly overwhelmed, as if I knew nothing about the subject, but as I read on, the clarity of the writing drew me in. The author poses questions that make you pause and think, not only about the universe but also about life, death, and the meaning of human existence. It is not just about answering questions, it’s about inspiring new ones and challenging what we thought we already knew. The illustrations in between offer a better perspective on the subject discussed in that chapter. The book is engaging throughout and doesn’t require a background in science to understand. I especially enjoyed the balance of research and accessible explanations, which makes it appealing to both science enthusiasts and general readers. It invites us to keep an open mind and to seek answers at the intersections of different fields. This is more than a scientific exploration; it lets you reflect, to question, and to look at the universe with fresh eyes. This would be a good choice for curious minds, as it’s a book that will not only hold your attention but also spark new ways of thinking.
I have always been interested in topics like the universe, its beginning, and the mysteries of creation, and that is why Who Banged the Big Bang! by Prabha Karan fascinated me so much.
The book begins with some of the most important questions human beings have ever asked, such as what was there before the Big Bang, why the universe exists at all, and how consciousness connects to creation. These are questions that sound very complicated, yet the author explains them in a way that is simple, engaging, and meaningful. The author does not limit the book to only one approach. Instead Prabha Karan blends science, philosophy, and spirituality together so that readers can see different perspectives in one place.
What I liked most is that the book does not force answers. Instead, it encourages the reader to think, to reflect, and to explore different possibilities. The author speaks in a style that is clean and accessible, and even when the subject is about infinity or cosmic beginnings, the language does not feel heavy. Some parts even read like a thoughtful conversation. The balance between scientific detail and human curiosity makes the book very unique.
The sections about consciousness, human intellect, and the idea of infinity inspired me the most. They made me realize that learning about the universe is not only about facts but also about understanding ourselves. This is more than a science book; it feels like a meditation on existence. I would recommend it to anyone who is curious about life’s biggest mysteries.
"When did the universe begin? How did it begin? What is the point of origin of the Big Bang? Why does the universe exist at all?" Have you ever wondered about these questions? Or have you ever asked yourself, "What is the purpose of being born as a human? What happens after death? Is there life after death?" If you ever did, then the book is for you, because the author tries to answer all these profound questions in such a manner that it will be a delight to indulge in.
The author mainly talks about infinity, humans, humanity, and the human body. And while exploring human components, the author talks about different human states of experience—dream, deep sleep, and consciousness. There are chapters where the author also talks about the caste system and its effect on human life, yoga and different types of yoga, and the concepts behind them all.
The most important part about the book is that the author does not try to push the ideas about these questions that he presents here; instead, he gives an open look and asks for more questions and debate about it.
The book is a long one, and you have to prepare yourself for this journey, because this will take you through a lot of life-changing information about human life. The writing with the illustrations and the author's uses of humor here and there make the long reading an engaging one, and it will make you come back to the book again and again. So I highly recommend the book if you are ready to dive into the questions of the universe, the Big Bang, and life.
This book takes readers into some of the oldest and deepest questions ever asked by human beings,what existed prior to the Big Bang, why the universe came into being, and how consciousness connects to creation. These are topics that have the potential to leave one in a state of muddling, but the author presents them with such clarity that they are easy to understand. Instead of staying on one line of thinking, Prabha Karan brings science, philosophy, and spirituality together, giving readers multiple options for looking at the same enigma.
What struck me is that the book never pushes for concrete solutions. There is space for the reader to think, ponder, and come up with their own ideas. The language used by the author is straightforward and never overly thick, even when he is discussing infinity or the origins of the cosmos. The writing at times has a one-on-one feel to it, making abstract ideas seem easy to grasp.
The second virtue of the book is its continuity. The chapters follow one after another quite well, transporting you through some themes with ease. The illustrations also add value because they make it easy to visualize the descriptions.
This book isn't so much about dispensing knowledge,it's about sparking interest. It is a simple, contemplative read for anyone interested in exploring life, death, and the universe's secrets. Would definitely recommend.
I was intrigued by the way the author starts the book - "idea of Infinity. But what is it? Is it a phenomenon? Is it numerical? Is it spatial? Is it temporal? Is it a quality? A quantity? Is it even real, or just a useful concept?" - truly thought provoking. The approach towards what is Intelligence, Intellect and the Mind were unique as well.
But sadly, that's where the wow factor ended for me. I couldn't connect myself with the rest of book, primarily because:
1. This is one "Science" book without any references to any other published articles. Are the concepts in the book just a single-person's imagination then? Fair, the author has put it a lot of thought and effort to creatively postulate theories like the gross, subtle and the causal bodies and the various personality layers, but then I became skeptical as to how come no one else has wrote about these things in such detail. 2. There are some errors in the book. The author rightly notes that the ego declares the identity. But then goes on to say if memory is lost, the ego is lost. This didn't seem right to me and a quick online check confirmed my doubt. 3. The section on caste system seemed incongruent to the rest of the book. 4. Similarly, the various types of Yogasanas were also not required. The mish-mash just diluted and digressed with the other sections of the book.
Prabha Karan’s Who Banged the Big Bang! tackles life’s fundamental questions, such as: What was before? Why is there a universe? What is consciousness? By drawing on science, philosophy, and spirituality, the book pushes against traditional boundaries of thought without being dense, dry, or overly cerebral. What makes this work unique, is it comes to balance: Rather than solely detailing the scientific theories that populate the text, Karan also weaves in the human instinct to seek out human control over our own curiosity, belief, and meaning. Karan does a great job of breaking down confined frameworks, and instead invites the reader on a journey of discovery and critical internalisation. The prose is clean, accessible, and often poetic, and it makes abstract ideas about infinity and cosmic beginnings feel manageable for the reader. While Karan does not provide answers, it encourages questioning, and providing frameworks that ignite inquiry into the issue, and speaks from a personal and spiritual place. This is not just a science specific book, this is a meditation on existence. This book is a great match for open-minded readers interested in the intersection of science and spirit, while the ideas linger long after the pages end.
Prabha Karan’s Who Banged the Big Bang! is an eye opening exploration that dares to go beyond the boundaries of conventional science, blending physics, philosophy, and ancient wisdom into a thought-provoking narrative. The book takes on profound questions about the origins of the universe, what may have existed before the Big Bang, and the very purpose of existence and presents them in a way that is both engaging and accessible. What makes this book truly compelling is its seamless flow from one theme to another, making even abstract concepts relatable. Karan doesn’t shy away from bold questions that many of us think about but often dismiss as too overwhelming. Instead, he offers a framework that connects consciousness, quantum physics, and human potential, encouraging readers to explore their own intellectual and spiritual depths. Reviewers highlight how the chapters keep you hooked, with Lydia praising its engaging flow and Santiago calling it “mind-expanding, bold, and refreshingly fearless.” With a community rating of over 4 stars, it’s clear that the book resonates with readers seeking meaning beyond traditional science. Highly recommended for anyone curious about existence, the cosmos, and humanity’s place in it.