Terrace of the Leper King

Was the Terrace of the Leper King truly a cremation site? We stand before this enigmatic platform, pondering its secrets. The Terrace of the Leper King, nestled within Angkor Thom near Siem Reap, Cambodia, draws visitors into a realm of mystery. This large terrace, built in the late 12th century for Jayavarman VII, takes its name from the statue perched atop. The Terrace of the Leper King isn’t just a platform, it’s a canvas of intricate carvings. The front walls boast at least five tiers of detailed artistry, showcasing apsaras, kings, and princesses. The statue itself, originally thought to depict a king with leprosy, is now believed to represent Yama, the Hindu god of death. This has led to the theory that the Terrace of the Leper King served as a royal crematorium. A later king, Jayavarman VIII, extended the terrace, adding a new wall. Remarkably, the original carvings were preserved, buried behind this new addition. Today, you can walk between these walls, witnessing both the old and new artistry. The original statue now resides in Phnom Penh’s National Museum, replaced by a replica on the Terrace of the Leper King. The terrace holds a secret within a secret. A hidden, inner terrace exists, covered during later constructions. Its carvings, protected for centuries, appear strikingly fresh. The Terrace of the Leper King is a puzzle of history, its true purpose still debated. It invites us to contemplate the mysteries of Angkor, to imagine the rituals and ceremonies that may have unfolded here. This terrace, with its enigmatic statue and intricate carvings, remains a captivating enigma within the magnificent Angkor complex.