There are two kinds of controllers, or lords: one who is independent is called controller, and one whose orders cannot be neglected by anyone is called controller.

Regarding Krsna's complete independence and lordship, Srimad-Bhagavatam says that although Kaliya was a great offender, Krsna still favored him by marking his head with His lotus feet, whereas Lord Brahma, although having prayed to Krsna with so many wonderful verses, still could not attract Him.

This contradictory treatment by Krsna is just befitting His position, because in all the Vedic literature He is described as the complete independent. In the beginning of the Srimad-Bhagavatam the Lord is described as svarat, which means completely independent. That is the position of the supreme absolute truth. The absolute truth is not only sentient, but He is also completely independent.

As for Krsna's orders not being neglected by anyone, in Srimad-Bhagavatam, Third Canto, 2nd Chapter, 21st verse, Uddhava tells Vidura: "Lord Krsna is the master of the three modes of material nature. He is the enjoyer of all opulences, and therefore there is no one equal to or greater than Him." All the great kings and emperors used to come before Him, offer their gifts and pay obeisances with their helmets at the feet of the Lord. One devotee said, "My dear Krsna, when You order Brahma-'Now you may create the universe,'-and when You order Lord Siva-'Now you dissolve this material manifestation,'- You are in this way creating and dissolving the material creation Yourself. Simply by Your orders and by Your partial representation of Visnu, You are maintaining the universes. In this way, O Krsna, O enemy of Kamsa, there are so many Brahmas and Sivas who are simply carrying out Your orders."