There is a mantra where the word ‘vasee’ is used to refer to the Supreme One. Vasee means literally one who is under the control of another. The usage of this word to refer to the Paramatma, therefore, seems peculiar. But if one looks at the Lord’s avataras, then one can see why He can rightly be called One who is under bondage, said V.S. Karunakarachariar in a discourse.
Vedanta Desika, in his Tattva-matrika, says that the Lord listens to those who obey Him. If people obey Him, then He obeys them! He exhibits a reciprocity which, coming from the Supreme One, is proof of His affection for His devotees. Those who obey Him are devas, and those who disobey Him are asuras.
When Krishna steals butter, Yasoda finds Him feeding some of the butter to monkeys after He has Himself had His fill! She decides to teach Him a lesson and looks for a rope to tie Him up. All she finds are little pieces of rope. She ties all the pieces patiently together, but finds that despite stringing together more and more pieces, she is still short of the length needed to tie Him up securely. There is a perpetual gap between the two ends.
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She then says to Krishna, “I want to tie you up. Am I not allowed to even have that right?” The moment she appeals to Him thus, He decides to honour her wish. He submits Himself to her binding. Isn’t He then One who deserves to be called Vasee?
Nammazhvar thought of this incident and fainted. The faint is said to have lasted six months! During the Rama avatara, Rama would ask sage Viswamitra what His duties were for the day. Imagine the Supreme One asking a mortal for orders, and then abiding by them! Surely, He qualifies to be called Vasee. He is voluntarily submissive to devotees who love Him wholeheartedly.