Chapter 11, Verse 21

अमी हि त्वां सुरसङ्घाः विशन्ति
केचिद्भीताः प्राञ्जलयो गृणन्ति।
स्वस्तीत्युक्त्वा महर्षिसिद्धसङ्घाः
स्तुवन्ति त्वां स्तुतिभिः पुष्कलाभिः।।11.21।।

amī hi tvāṁ sura-saṅghā viśhanti
kechid bhītāḥ prāñjalayo gṛiṇanti
svastīty uktvā maharṣhi-siddha-saṅghāḥ
stuvanti tvāṁ stutibhiḥ puṣhkalābhiḥ

amī — these;
hi — indeed;
tvām — you;
sura-saṅghāḥ — assembly of celestial gods;
viśhanti — are entering;
kechit — some;
bhītāḥ — in fear;
prāñjalayaḥ — with folded hands;
gṛiṇanti — praise;
svasti — auspicious;
iti — thus;
uktvā — reciting;
mahā-ṛiṣhi — great sages;
siddha-saṅghāḥ — perfect beings;
stuvanti — are extolling;
tvām — you;
stutibhiḥ — with prayers;
puṣhkalābhiḥ — hymns

In this verse, we see that the demigods, who are powerful beings in Hindu mythology, are feeling afraid when they see the universal form of Lord Krishna. This form is incredibly vast and radiant, much more than anything they’ve ever encountered. Think of it as if you were standing in front of a massive and overwhelming force of nature—like a giant storm or a huge mountain—that makes you recognize how small you really are.

Because of this fear, the demigods do something very humble; they raise their hands in a traditional gesture of respect and submission, known as 'pranjala,' which means they are folding their hands together as a sign of greeting, reverence, or pleading. They are not just standing there in silence; they are also reciting hymns filled with praises from the Vedas, the ancient scriptures. This is a way for them to express their feelings toward Lord Krishna, asking for safety and guidance in the presence of something so grand and fearsome.

It's a reminder that even the mightiest beings are not above feeling fear and seeking help. They recognize that Krishna’s form, although awe-inspiring, is also protective. By chanting these hymns, they are paying their respect and hoping to be blessed and protected by Him. Just like in our lives, when we encounter something powerful or beyond our understanding, we often turn to prayer or ask for support, acknowledging our limitations.

This scene illustrates that no matter how powerful someone may be, they can still have moments of fear and humility. The act of praying or showing respect, particularly in challenging times, is a significant theme in many spiritual practices.