The term bhumi-devah, "gods on earth," refers here to the brahmanas, who are supposed to closely represent the will of the Supreme Lord. The philosophy of Krishna consciousness is not a primitive polytheistic doctrine holding that human beings on the earth are gods. Rather, it is a science that traces the descent of authority from the Absolute Truth Himself, Sri Krishna. The authority and power of God naturally extend along with the extension of His creation, and on the earth the Lord's will and authority are represented by purified, enlightened men called brahmanas.

This account will illustrate that the ritualistic brahmanas approached by the cowherd boys were not at all properly enlightened and thus could not appreciate the position of Krishna and Balarama or that of Their intimate associates. In fact, this pastime exposes the pretentious position of so-called brahmanas who are not faithful devotees of the Supreme Lord.