This pair feature in the next two suttas as well. For Subrahmā, see note on SN 2.17:1.1. The name Suddhāvāsa suggests he was from the Pure Abodes. Perhaps both were, which would explain their devotion to the Buddha and the Dhamma. But the commentary is silent. | Independent divinities (paccekabrahmā) are without a retinue, although not, it seems, without a friend.

The Pali is ambiguous, but I think this should be a question. Compare the similar syntax at AN 6.62:7.8.

As so often, divinities in Buddhist texts try to distinguish themselves by power, not by wisdom or compassion.

The haṁsa is a swan or goose. Though rarely seen in most of India today, the swan is a fitting image in such elevated contexts. | The “hundred” of the next line should be distributed to the numbers in this line, too, per the commentary.

Byagghīnisā (“night-tiger”?) appears only here and in another list of birds at Ja 547:420.1 (variant byagghinasā), where the commentary glosses sena, a “raptor”. “Tigerhawk” is not a real name, but it sounds cool.

Jalate (“shines”) here and below is reflexive indicative.