Suswani Mata Temple at Morkhana

Bikaner, Rajasthan

By Swapna Joshi

View of the Suswani Mata Temple from the back side, consisting of the newly added walls surrounding it along with the trees that are considered sacred by devotees. The original shikhara can be seen of the temple.
View of the Suswani Mata Temple from the back side, consisting of the newly added walls surrounding it along with the trees that are considered sacred by devotees. The original shikhara can be seen of the temple.

The Morkhana village, also called as Morkhiyana, is home to an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected temple dedicated to Suswani Ma. The Goddess is believed to be a kuldevi (family deity) of the Surana clan. The original temple of Suswani Mata dates back to the twelfth century CE construction, undergoing restoration and reconstruction multiple times since its inception. Presently, the temple comprises only the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), with a later added mandapa (closed hall), courtyard, and rest houses. Generously funded by the community, the modern infrastructure of the Suswani Mata Temple functions well. However, the medieval period monument is burdened by newly added constructions. The layers of paint on wall surfaces, incongruously added architectural spaces, and religious practices obscure the temple’s original fabric.

This module delves into various aspects of the Suswani Mata Temple, including architectural peculiarities, mythical narratives associated with the temple, and the ancillary tangible remnants in the temple premises. These elements contribute to reconstructing the historical timeline of Morkhana village, which remains a small settlement today. The overview article in the module examines the extant architectural nuances of the temple, such as its ground plan and elevation, decorative features, and details of the shikhara (finial/superstructure). As the sole surviving monument in the region, the temple’s remains serve as a significant historical marker for the region around Morkhana.

A short article in the module offers insights into the mythical stories surrounding the temple’s formation and the valour of Suswani Maa. The third article in the module focuses on the loose tangible remains in and around the temple, including memorial steles like hero stones, sati stones, and sculptural fragments. While the original location of these remnants is unknown, some are currently within the modern premises of Suswani Mata Temple and are worshipped as ‘veer ke pathar’ (literally, stones of the brave). While others are placed on newly constructed pedestals next to a Shiva Temple in the village. Coupled with the temple remains, these artefacts establish Morkhana as an important religious and political town during the medieval period. The module also comprises of an image gallery and architectural drawings.