The Terrace of the Leper King is another significant and mysterious monument within the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is located just north of the Terrace of the Elephants, within the ancient city of Angkor Thom, and like many other structures in the area, it carries both historical and symbolic significance.

The Terrace of the Leper King was built during the 12th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII, who is responsible for many of the architectural marvels in Angkor, including the famous Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants. This terrace, like other structures in Angkor Thom, is primarily made of sandstone and features detailed relief carvings. The terrace’s name, “Terrace of the Leper King”, is somewhat enigmatic. It is not clear why it was named after the “Leper King,” and there are several theories about its origin:

One theory suggests that the “Leper King” refers to a royal figure who suffered from leprosy. This figure might have been represented by the statue at the terrace’s summit, which is a stone sculpture of a king, sometimes interpreted as a symbolic representation of the Leper King. Another theory is that the name derives from the statue’s appearance—over time, the weathering of the stone may have created a pockmarked surface that resembled the skin of someone suffering from leprosy. The Terrace of the Leper King is a small, rectangular structure, measuring about 25 meters long and 4 meters high. It consists of a low platform with walls adorned with intricate bas-reliefs.

Takeo Temple is a well-known Angkorian temple located in the Siem Reap province of Cambodia. It is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is home to many of the most famous temples in Cambodia, including Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. Takeo Temple is one of the many temples in this region, and it holds significant historical and architectural value.  Takeo Temple, also known as Tevoda Temple or Tevoda, was built during the late 10th century, specifically during the reign of King Jayavarman V (968–1001 AD). It was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, though it is also associated with various Buddhist elements, reflecting the religious transitions of the region during that time. Some sources suggest the temple’s name also refers to the “mountain” (Takeo), which symbolizes a sacred connection to the heavens. Takeo Temple is a pyramid-shaped temple constructed from sandstone and brick. It follows the classic Khmer architectural style, typical of temples built during the Angkorian period. The temple consists of a series of terraces that ascend to a central shrine at the top, with each level decorated with carvings and stone sculptures.