God, the Supreme Being, is bound by none and therefore is called “Swatantran”, the completely independent one. Yet, by His own free will, He submits Himself to the devotion of His devotees and at times even acts in accordance with their wishes.

Velukkudi Sri Ranganathan Swamy said in a discourse that Lord Krishna resolved not to wield any weapon during the Mahabharata war. At the same time, Bhishma, the revered grandsire, took a vow that he would compel the Lord to take up arms. The Lord was not concerned about breaking His own resolve. Instead, He chose to honour the words of His own devotee.

Similarly, at Thiruvekka, Kanchi, the Lord is known as “Sonna vannam Seidha Perumal” — the Lord who acted as told. Thirumazhisai Azhwar once commanded the Lord to leave Kanchi and come with him. In obedience, the Lord departed, taking His divine bed, “Adi Sesha”. Later, when the Azhwar asked Him to return, the Lord came back and resumed His place. His obedience is not born of compulsion but of grace, revealing that God chooses to be governed by devotion.

In yet another story, when Sugriva, the chief of the monkey legions, asked Lord Rama how to cross the ocean and reach Lanka, Rama replied that they should seek the counsel of Vibhishana, who advised that the proper course was to request Samudra Raja, the King of Sea, for a passage. Accepting Vibhishana’s words, Lord Rama undertook a penance for three days, praying to the Sea King.

Finally, in another instance, Lord Narayana chose to abide by Nammazhwar’s words when the Lord desired to take the Azhwar to Srivaikunta with his divine physical body so that the celestial beings could behold him. Nammazhwar humbly requested that only his soul be taken. Respecting the wish, the Lord obliged.