Terrace of the Leper King

Replica of the Leper King statue, on the Terrace of the Leper King (25 February, 2006)


Terrace of the Leper King (GPS: 13.4475, 103.85854) is a raised platform is located immediately north of, and contiguous to, the Terrace of the Elephants in Angkor Thom. It is named after the standalone statue found on the top of it.

According to researchers, who were not too certain when it was built, the Terrace of the Leper King probably dates to the reign King Jayavarman VII with additions by King Jayavarman VIII, and was the result of the renovations done to the royal palace during his time. There was evidence that the wall was entirely rebuilt after part of it collapsed. The old structure was however left intact within the new one. Today's visitors can view both sets of reliefs.

It should be pointed out that the namesake Leper King statue dates to the 15th century, long after the terrace has been built. The inscription on the bottom of the statue was Dharmaraja, which refers to the god of the underworld. The English name Leper King came about because the early archaeologists discovered the statue with patches of lichen growing on it. The original statue has since been relocated to the National Museum in Phnom Penh, while in its place is a replica.

Terrace of the Leper King (25 February, 2006)


Haut-relief sculpture of a multi-headed horse at the Terrace of the Leper King (25 February, 2006)


Tiers of devatas dancing on the Terrace of the Leper King. (25 February, 2006)


In places, the Terrace of the Leper King comprises two layers. This is possibly because the first layer was in danger of collapsing, and so a decision was made to enlarge it. (25 February, 2006)


Overview of the Terrace of the Leper King. (25 February, 2006)


The sides of the Terrace of the Leper King has multi tiers of devatas. (25 February, 2006)


View towards the Terrace of the Leper King from the Terrace of the Elephants. (25 February, 2006)

360° View of Terrace of the Leper King on Google Maps Street View

Terrace of the Leper King is in the centre of the Map of Angkor

The terrace is ornately carved. The finest carvings are found on the eastern wall. The carvings feature deities with swords, parasols, and other figures. To view the hidden relief, you can climb down a flight of stairs in the southwest corner. The carvings are similar to those on the outer walls.

The figure on top of the terrace is the Leper King. Note however, what you see on site is a replica. The original is now safely housed in the Phnom Penh National Museum in Phnom Penh. I learned that even this cement copy was vandalised by thieves who cut off its head.

View of Terrace of the Leper King from Terrace of the Elephants (29 August, 2005)


The Leper King statue is in fact the statue of Dharma or Yama, the god of the underworld, as depicted in the Judgement of Yama Gallery in Angkor Wat. It only got to be called the leper king in modern times, when lichen and corrosion on it was mistaken for leprosy.

How to reach the Terrace of the Leper King

The Terrace of the Leper King is one of the sights within Angkor Thom, just north of the Terrace of the Elephants. All Siem Reap tuk tuk drivers would know how to get there - if you find one who doesn't, well, change tuk tuk! If you're on your own, by bicycle or motorcycle, park somewhere under the shade near the food stalls, and do your on foot.

If you need transport, I can recommend the tuk tuk driver who drove me. His name is Mr Han (see contact below), and you can call to see if he is available to take you.

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