Guardians of the directions

As a group of eight deities, they are called Aṣṭa-Dikpāla (अष्ट-दिक्पाल), literally meaning guardians of eight directions.

In Hinduism it is traditional to represent their images on the walls and ceilings of Hindu temples.

They are also often portrayed in Jain temples, with the exception that Nāga usually takes the place of Vishnu[1] in the nadir.

[citation needed] Directions in Hindu tradition are called as Diśā, or Dik.

[2] Three main distinctions of Dikpalaka are recognized, being: Besides the eight guardians, the following are added:[5][6] (Called Devata Nawa Sanga in ancient Java and Bali Hinduism) Media related to Guardians of the directions at Wikimedia Commons

Parshvanatha Temple, Khajuraho, the southeast corner, with guardians Indra (E) and Agni (SE).
Brahma, Lord of the Zenith (center) with (from left) Varuna, Kubera, Yama and Indra.
The Ashta-Dikpala with Brahma in the centre denoting Zenith
The diagram of Surya Majapahit shows the arrangements of Hindu deities each resided in main cardinal points.