If they came in their natural forms the devatas would be recognized as such and be worshiped by the boys. Therefore they came as cowherd boys, like Krsna and Balarama. In this way Siva, Narada and other devas disguised as cowherd boys, came to taste the pastimes. The word gopala rupin indicates that Krsna and Balarama eternally have the forms of cowherd boys.

Certain persons dressed as dancers and praising Kṛṣṇa stood up in front of Śrīdāmā and others who were sitting, as leaders of the group. Śukadeva, in praising them, praises the excellence of Kṛṣṇa and the others. The devatās refers to some among the group of boys who were famous as his worshippers. The word devatā indicates that these boys had similar qualities to the two boys. “Why was their greatness not recognized by others? How could Śukadeva recognize them?” Though great, they were hidden by their birth as cowherds. But by their qualities they were evident, though the unintelligent would mistake them for ordinary people. They would create astonishment by revelation of their qualities in the appropriate cowherd boy pastimes. “How did they become cowherds?” They had these forms inherently (gopa-rūpiṇaḥ). When Kṛṣṇa showed his pastimes in his form, they adopted corresponding forms. They had similar forms, dress and qualities: they were like dancers. They were similar in other qualities also. The word also suggests that because they were in suitable form and quality they also helped Kṛṣṇa play (devayanti). O king (nṛpa) because you are the best of humans you can understand this.

“Who are these cowherds actually?” This verse explains. Associates like Garuḍa took on cowherd birth (gopa-jāti-praticchannāḥ), but without the qualities and pastimes. Or they merged into the cowherd families, having very similar qualities. They accepted sweet qualities similar to the Lord’s. They played while praising Kṛṣṇa. Devāḥ means those who play. The word ca indicates that Balarāma took a secondary role. He is also mentioned after Kṛṣṇa. They praised Kṛṣṇa like a dancer praising another dancer. This means in playing they were very similar to the others. O king! You understand this. Or seeing the skill in dancing some devatās who were the Lord’s devotees became cowherd forms and on earth or in the sky began praising Kṛṣṇa. That is explained in the verse. In order to praise their forms as cowherds they are compared to actors.