Editing Indian religions (section)

=== Differences ===
Critics point out that there exist vast differences between and even within the various Indian religions.{{sfn|Larson|2012|pp=313–314}}{{sfn|Yelle|2012|pp=338–339}} All major religions are composed of innumerable sects and subsects.{{sfn|Rodriques|Harding|2008|p=14}}

==== Mythology ====
Indian mythology also reflects the competition between the various Indian religions. A popular story tells how [[Vajrapani]] kills [[Maheśvara (Buddhism)|Mahesvara]], a manifestation of Shiva depicted as an evil being.{{sfn|Davidson|2004|pp=148–153}}{{sfn|Kalupahana|1994|p=220}} The story occurs in several scriptures, most notably the ''Sarvatathagatatattvasamgraha'' and the ''Vajrapany-abhiseka-mahatantra''.{{sfn|Davidson|2004|p=148}}{{refn|group=note|The story begins with the transformation of the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra into Vajrapani by Vairocana, the cosmic Buddha, receiving a [[vajra]] and the name "Vajrapani".{{sfn|Davidson|2004|pp=148–150}} Vairocana then requests Vajrapani to generate his adamantine family, to establish a [[mandala]]. Vajrapani refuses, because Mahesvara (Shiva) "is deluding beings with his deceitfull religious doctrines and engaging in all kinds of violent criminal conduct".{{sfn|Davidson|2004|p=150}} Mahesvara and his entourage are dragged to [[Mount Sumeru]], and all but Mahesvara submit. Vajrapani and Mahesvara engage in a magical combat, which is won by Vajrapani. Mahesvara's retinue become part of Vairocana's mandala, except for Mahesvara, who is killed, and his life transferred to another realm where he becomes a buddha named Bhasmesvara-nirghosa, the "Soundless Lord of Ashes".{{sfn|Davidson|2004|p=151}}}} According to Kalupahana, the story "echoes" the story of the conversion of Ambattha.{{sfn|Kalupahana|1994|p=220}} It is to be understood in the context of the competition between Buddhist institutions and [[Shaivism]].{{sfn|Davidson|2004|p=152}}