Preah Ponlea Sdach Komlong (Terrace Of The Leper King) — Attraction in Siem Reap

So beautiful caving of Khmer empire civilization show up about daily of god Justice ⚖️ Yama . This place where they cremation of Kings and royal families . Statue of Yama who holding the sword represent to trial. Who Yama (Sanskrit: यम), also known as Kala, and Dharmaraja is the Hindu god of death and justice, responsible for the dispensation of law and punishment of sinners in his abode, Naraka. He is often identified with Dharmadeva, the personification of Dharma, though the two deities have different origins and myths. In Vedic tradition, Yama was considered to be the first mortal who died and espied the way to the celestial abodes; thus, as a result, he became the ruler of the departed. His role, characteristics, and abode have been expanded in texts such as the Upanishads, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas. Yama is described as the twin of Yami, and the son of the sun god Surya (in earlier traditions Vivasvat) and Sanjna. He judges the souls of the dead and depending on their deeds, he assigns them to the realm of the Pitris (forefathers), Naraka (hell), or be reborn on the earth. Yama is one of the Lokapalas (guardians of the realms), appointed as the protector of the south direction. He is often depicted as a dark-complexioned man, riding a buffalo and carrying a noose or mace to capture souls. Yama was also adopted subsequently adopted by Buddhist, Chinese, Tibetan, Korean, and Japanese mythology as the king of hell. In modern culture, Yama has been depicted in various safety campaigns in India. For Hindu they always put him in the South direction ⬇️ but Budhism in Cambodia 🇰🇭 or Khmer culture he always stayed at North-East . This is the reason why they built this place in North - East of palace . Note . Only Kings and Families can Cremated in the...

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Terrace of the Leper King

The Terrace of the Leper King, located within the Angkor Thom complex in Cambodia, is a site shrouded in mystery and intrigue. This ancient structure, dating back to the 12th century, has captured the imagination of historians and archaeologists for centuries.

Historical Significance

The Terrace of the Leper King is believed to have been built by King Jayavarman VII, one of the most powerful rulers of the Khmer Empire. The terrace itself is adorned with intricate carvings depicting various mythological figures and scenes from Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. The name "Leper King" is derived from a statue found at the site, which was originally thought to depict a king suffering from leprosy.

Archaeological Discoveries

Recent archaeological excavations at the Terrace of the Leper King have uncovered new insights into the site's history and purpose. Researchers have found evidence of ritual activities and ceremonies that took place on the terrace, shedding light on its religious significance in ancient Khmer society.

Visiting the Terrace

Today, visitors to the Angkor Thom complex can explore the Terrace of the Leper King and marvel at its intricate carvings and historical significance. The site offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Khmer Empire and provides a unique opportunity to connect with Cambodia's ancient past.

Conclusion

The Terrace of the Leper King stands as a testament to the architectural and artistic prowess of the Khmer Empire. Its intricate carvings and historical significance continue to captivate visitors from around the world, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in ancient civilizations and...

The Terrace of the Leper King

Don’t miss: the nine-headed nagas the ladies wear a crown of nagas beautiful carvings in the inner wall as well as the exterior wall

The Terrace of the Leper King (or Leper King Terrace) is located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. The statue was called the "Leper King" because discolouration and moss growing on it was reminiscent of a person with leprosy, and also because of a Cambodian legend of an Angkorian king Yasovarman I who had leprosy.

Some scholars thought that the statue represented Kubera, guarding the underworlds with his yakshas, but some considered the statue as Yama, the god of the dead.

The Terrace of the Leper King has carvings of nagas (dragons), demons and various mythical beings.  The inner wall was built first, and the outer wall was added later covering the inner wall. Archaeologists excavated the inner wall in the late 1990s.

The four tiers of apsaras and other figures, including nagas, look as fresh as if they had been carved yesterday, thanks to being covered up for centuries. Some of the figures carry fearsome expressions. As you follow the inner wall of the Terrace of the Leper King, notice the increasingly rough chisel marks on the figures, an indication that this wall was never completed, like many of the...