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. Similarly, at Thiruvekka, Kanchi, the Lord is known as “Sonna vannam Seidha Perumal” — the Lord who acted as told. His obedience is not born of compulsion but of grace, revealing that God chooses to be governed by devotion. Accepting Vibhishana’s words, Lord Rama undertook a penance for three days, praying to the Sea King.