As the moon with its sixteen phases creates wonderful formations, so [Mahābandha] of supreme beauty and quality penetrates the three places.

The comparison with śaśāṅkasya kalā — the phases of the moon — is poetic: just as the moon passes through sixteen kalās (phases), creating diverse and beautiful effects, Mahābandha has multiple subtle effects on the pranic body.

Vedhaṃ sthāna-trayam — penetrates the three places.These three sthānas are the three granthis: Brahma granthi (in Mūlādhāra), Viṣṇu granthi (in Anāhata) and Rudra granthi (in Ājñā).The penetration of these knots is essential for the ascent of Kuṇḍalinī.

Ati-rūpa-guṇā — of supreme beauty and quality.The text praises the practice as something extraordinarily refined, not only effective but aesthetically perfect in its design.This aesthetic appreciation of yoga is characteristic of classical texts.