Now the vessel stage: making air into a vessel, pierce the knot of Brahma.Then the stage of the vessel and the piercing of the knot of Viṣṇu occurs.

The second stage is named after ghaṭa (vessel, jug).The yogi’s body becomes a sealed container where the prāṇa is contained and pressurized.Ghaṭīkṛtya vāyum — making air into a vessel — describes the bandha retention technique that transforms the torso into an airtight container.

At this stage, although brahma-granthi has already been pierced in ārambha, it is completely pierced and prāṇa ascends towards viṣṇu-granthi, the second knot located in anāhata cakra (the heart).This knot represents emotional attachment, emotional ties and identification with relationships.

The Bihar School emphasizes that each granthi has distinct qualities.Brahma-granthi governs physical inertia (tamas), while viṣṇu-granthi governs passionate activity (rajas).The transition from one to the other marks a significant transition: from freedom from the body to freedom from emotions.The yogi experiences progressive detachment without losing the capacity for compassionate love.