Terrace of Leper King, Angkor Thom

Another place visiting in Angkor is the Terrace of Leper King! or Preah Ponlea Sdach Komlong. This terrace has been named after a statue with an umbrella.

the whole stretch of wall carved

Terrace of the Leper King. Some Key Facts

Location:

• Hidden within Angkor Thom, the Terrace of the Leper King is one of the site's most intriguing monuments, located just north of the Terrace of the Elephants.

Historiacal background:

• The terrace was built approximately in the late 12th century, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, a period which was marked by immense architecture and deep spiritual symbolism.

Origin of the name:

• The monument takes its name from the mysterious Leper King statue that once stood on the terrace and this gave the terrace its name.

But, Who is the “Leper King”?

• The statue’s white, patchy appearance led to the belief that it portrayed a king afflicted with leprosy—an interpretation that would shape its identity for centuries.
• Later identified by some scholars as Kubera, the God of Wealth
• But, the most widely accepted interpretation today:
• Dharmaraja, the King of Justice who is associated with Yama, the God of Death
• The name Dharmaraja is inscribed at the base of the original statue.
• The original statue is now in the National Museum in Phnom Penh, the statue on the terrace today is a replica

Discoloration mystery:

• The statue’s appearance may be due to mold and centuries of weathering
• The “leprosy” look may not have been intentional

Architectural significance

• The terrace represents Mount Meru, the cosmic center of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist belief
• Stretching approximately 25 meters, the terrace walls are richly covered with intricate sculptural reliefs, making the site as visually compelling as it is symbolic.

Unique structural feature

• It consists of both an outer wall and an inner wall
• The inner wall is older
• It was buried for centuries and rediscovered later in 1960's, revealing remarkably preserved carvings
• The carvings include multi-headed naga, demons, royal figures, apsaras. 
• The outer walls however are different, it has scenes of palace life, a sword swallower, Shiva holding a trident.

Why it stands out

• Combines myth, symbolism, and archaeology
• One of Angkor’s most mysterious and visually striking terraces

The Story of the Terrace of the Leper King

• Hidden within Angkor Thom, the Terrace of the Leper King is one of the site’s most intriguing monuments, located just north of the Terrace of the Elephants.
• The terrace was built in the late 12th century, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, a period marked by ambitious architecture and deep spiritual symbolism.
• The monument takes its name from the mysterious “Leper King” statue that once stood on the terrace and immediately captured the imagination of visitors and scholars alike.
• The statue’s white, patchy appearance led to the belief that it portrayed a king afflicted with leprosy—an interpretation that would shape its identity for centuries.
• Over time, many theories emerged about who the figure actually represents:
• Some believed it depicted King Yasovarman I, rumored to have suffered from leprosy.
• Others identified it as Kubera, the Hindu God of Wealth.
• Today, the most widely accepted view is that the figure represents Dharmaraja, the King of Justice, also associated with Yama, the God of Death.
• This identification is supported by the name Dharmaraja, which is inscribed at the base of the original statue, now preserved in the National Museum in Phnom Penh. The statue seen on the terrace today is a replica.
• It is also likely that the statue’s discolored appearance was caused by centuries of weathering and mold, rather than depiction of disease.
• Beyond the statue, the terrace itself holds deep symbolic meaning, representing Mount Meru, the sacred mountain believed to be the center of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.

outer wall

sculptings on outer wall

multi-head Naga on inner wall

multi-head Naga on outer wall

outer wall

The lower tier has celestial beings with lotus in their hands

sword swallower

Lord Shiva

On the side, if you notice carefully, are sculptings of marine life as fish, crocodiles. Did this area ever serve as a pool?

This side has scenes from day today life. On the side are two women doing some house chore. In the center is a sword swallower, a man beating a drum and next are two women talking to each other.

Apsara carvings on inner wall

view of the inner wall from above

Inner wall sculptures:

The Leper King:

On the terrace sits a lone statue of The Leper King.

The statue has white colored patches which gives an impression of its having leprosy.  But whom does it represent?

It was earlier believed to be a former King as Yasovaraman I had leprosy. It was then believed to be of Kuber, the God of Wealth. The most suited description fits with Dharmaraja, the Dharma King or Yama, the God of Death. The name Dharmaraja is etched at the bottom of original statue which is now in the National Museum in Phnom Penh. This one is a copy of the original. Maybe, probably with time the stone has collected mold giving it a discolored look.

The statue sits with its right leg raised, the other knee touching the ground. His left hand rests on his left knee. Its body is draped in a yellow cloth. There appears to be space in its hands, as though it once held an object. If this figure represents Yama, the Hindu "God of Death", it should be holding a mace.

Due to tropical weathering and the effect of lichens on stone, the statue became discolored due to corrosion. This gave the effect of a skin disease. Moreover, since the direction is north, it is assumed to be a person of royalty. The Leper King was thus born and the statue came to be known popularly as the "The Leper King"

The hair is knotted, and the figure sports a prominent moustache. Its canine teeth protrude slightly, lending it a fearsome appearance.

But why would there be a statue of Yama in this place? It stands to the north of the Royal Palace, a direction traditionally reserved for royal cremations. Val Prah Men is a pavilion prepared for funeral pyres. Could this site mark the pavilion where royalty were cremated? The grounds below would have allowed the public to gather and pay their last respects to the deceased.

Was the area supposed to publicly punish the criminals? The exact reason for this terrace still seems not very clear.

view of Terrace of Elephants from here

view of terrace from car park

Moving south from here is the Terrace of Elephants.