Buddhist term referring to the eight classes of supernatural beings that protect the Dharma: devas, nagas, yaksas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, and mahoragas.
The eight legions are arranged around the Buddhist statue.
From 八 (eight) + 部 (class, division) + 衆 (multitude, group). The term is a direct translation of the Sanskrit aṣṭau gaṇāḥ or similar Buddhist concept.