Seen here are two of the largest hero stones found among the fragments in the Suswani Mata Temple. Interestingly, both slabs feature a similar type of depiction where the upper half shows certain human figures while the lower half of the stone slab is empty. The finials of the hero stones are stylized as temple shikharas (superstructures), specifically latina shikharas (mono-spired). Approximately four feet in height and a half foot in width, these hero stones are unique specimens and constitute an important corpus of historical data. The plain portions of the stone slabs have very faint remains of inscriptions, which might contain information about the person in whose honour the hero stone was carved.
The topmost portion of the hero stone slab has a depiction of four figures, three standing on foot and one mounted on a horse. This is a depiction of the ‘hero’ who embarked on an expedition, fought against enemies, and ultimately lost his life on the battleground. The erection of the hero stones is a tribute to honour his heroic deeds and sacrifice. He is also accompanied by some other figures, but the vermilion and oil make them difficult to identify. The three figures standing in front of the hero may represent celestial damsels who are shown bowing down to him. However, due to the presence of vermilion and oil on the stone, discerning their identities is challenging.
Twelve stone slab fragments of hero stones and sculptures are placed on a low pedestal. People worship the stones of the brave souls and offer grains and sweets, after smearing them with vermilion. The stone fragments are often rubbed with oil, which has seeped into the incisions of the inscriptions. Due to continuous worship, the intricate details of the slabs are lost.
Details of the base mouldings of the Suswani Mata Temple. Four mouldings of the vedibandha (basal mouldings) are visible- from bottom to top khura (hoof), kumbha (pot), kalasha (pitcher), kapotali (cyma recta). There are floral motifs on the front face of the kumbha moulding.
Seen here is an inscribed and sculpted hero stone (memorial stone) in the Suswani Mata temple premises, which is built in memory of the deceased soul. It is approximately five feet in height and the front face has an inscription at the centre and human figures in the upper part. The stele is capped with a shikhara (superstructure or spire) motif.
Details of the Latina Nagara (mono-spired) shikhara (superstructure) above the main garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of the Suswani Mata Temple. The corner bands termed as the venukosha are composed of small aedicules placed in diminishing heights, divided by thin ribbed discus or amalaka. The discus looks like beaded bands. The aedicules have ribbed corners and diamond motifs on the front faces.
View of the modern dharmashala (a charitable public rest house or shelter) rooms added surrounding the verandah (open-air hallway or porch) of the Suswani Mata temple complex. The shikhara (superstructure) of the main temple and the flagstaff of the centrally located old temple are visible from the open ground in front of the main gate.
Seen here is the front side, east-facing, of the shikhara (superstructure) above the main Suswani Mata Temple which is of a Latina Nagara (mon-spired) variety. Square on plan, the shikhara is composed of curvilinear bands. A vertical band of aedicules arranged in a descending manner from top to bottom on the corners. The central band is plain.
View of intricately carved details of a medallion, of the shikhara (superstructure) of the Suswani Mata Temple, which is at the bottom of the shikhara. The design is composed of the gavaksha (dormer window) designs and diamond motifs.