Question about Lakshmi

[Sirona]

Namaste,

I read a little beginner’s book about Lakshmi written by a Westerner, so I don’t know how accurate it is, but I was a bit surprised to learn that Lakshmi and Vishnu were stated to have a platonic relationship, given the fact that Sita had two sons and that Radha and Krishna were lovers. Moreover, to my knowledge, Vishnu and Lakshmi had a son named Kama. I also recall some Srimad Bhagavatam quote where it is stated that Vishnu impregnated material nature through his glance, although I have to admit that I’m not very familiar with the last-mentioned story.

 

[SomeRandom]

Namaste,

I read a little beginner’s book about Lakshmi written by a Westerner, so I don’t know how accurate it is, but I was a bit surprised to learn that Lakshmi and Vishnu were stated to have a platonic relationship, given the fact that Sita had two sons and that Radha and Krishna were lovers. Moreover, to my knowledge, Vishnu and Lakshmi had a son named Kama. I also recall some Srimad Bhagavatam quote where it is stated that Vishnu impregnated material nature through his glance, although I have to admit that I’m not very familiar with the last-mentioned story.

What you have to remember about Western translations is that they are working from a myriad of various tales and legends which change depending on location.
And sometimes they will regard the deities as distinct deities entirely, in and of themselves.
Whereas as some (not speaking for all) Hindu traditions will treat all the deities as distinct individuals as well as regarding them as aspects of other “bigger” deities at the same time. The hierarchy, if you like, of that will depend largely on the tradition in question. So the relationships in some translations in the West will often be watered down from their original, simply because thats how it translates across cultures
Like for example in Hinduism, whilst it is agreed upon that Parvati is the wife of Lord Shiva (herself often considered a reincarnation of Sati) Kali is also regarded as the wife of Lord Shiva, without this being considered conflicting information. But it’s not always translated that way

Lord Vishnu and ma Lakshmi are married and indeed have a son together.
Laksmi is often venerated as a sort of intermediary between worshippers and Vishnu himself. With devotees often asking for her mercy and blessings as well as getting her to ask Vishnu for His on their behalf. (Again, like most everything in Hinduism, I think it largely depends on the tradition in question. Because I don’t think my family does that when we pray to her.)
Though I have heard of one story where she apparently disobeyed him, earning his wrath. But that could just be a quirky local flavour, so to speak.
Can’t comment one way or the other on the last story though

 

[Aupmanyav]

I read a little beginner’s book about Lakshmi written by a Westerner, so I don’t know how accurate it is, but I was a bit surprised to learn that Lakshmi and Vishnu were stated to have a platonic relationship, given the fact that Sita had two sons and that Radha and Krishna were lovers. Moreover, to my knowledge, Vishnu and Lakshmi had a son named Kama. I also recall some Srimad Bhagavatam quote where it is stated that Vishnu impregnated material nature through his glance, although I have to admit that I’m not very familiar with the last-mentioned story.

Let me see how I can answer your queries. Was a doubting Thomas at one time who later became a strong atheist.
They are God and Goddess consort. People don't talk about sex with their children and we are their children. So, it is not necessary for us to go into more details about Godly love-life.
Yeah, Mother Sita had one son, the other, as the story goes, the other was created by Valmiki out of grass (therefore, Kush). Mother Sita had gone for some errand and had taken Luv with her, but when Sage Valmiki saw an empty cradle, he thought that some animal or a demon had taken away Luv, so he created a replica. Mother Sita adopted this one also.
Shrimati Radha Rani is supposed to have been Krishna's love, though she was elder to him; but that is a story for a section of Vaishnavas. Officially Lord Krishna had 8 wives (if one disregards the additional 16,000 wives saved from a demon), and Mother Rukmani was the first among them. Of course, whether it is one of the eight or Shrimati Radha Rani, they all are forms of Mother Lakshmi only.
Yeah, Kamadeva, the God of Love in Hinduism, is supposed to be the son of Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi. *For more information, kindly see here: Who are the children of Vishnu and Lakshmi?
Of course, Gods can create things by just desiring it. 'At a glance' is just another way to say it.

@Sirona , that is the problem. Non-Hindu writers may not think like Hindus and can confuse reader. To us, forms present no problem. Best to check with Hindus and Hindu sources.

 

[Viraja]

I would like to add to the Kama story. Yes, Kama, otherwise known as Manmadha, is the son of Lakshmi and Vishnu. After Lord Shiva burnt him to ashes, Manmatha/Kama was born as Pradhyumna, son of Krishna and attained heavens in the new form as Pradhyumna to join his wife Rati at the celestial abode.

Regarding impregnating through eyes, I faintly remember listening to a recent discourse which stated that Lord Vishnu entered the womb of mother Devaki in the prison through his gaze (or something like this).