During the pre-Islamic period on the island of Java, Shaivism and Buddhism were considered very close and allied religions, though not identical religions. The medieval-era Indonesian literature equates Buddha with Siwa (Shiva) and Janardana (Vishnu).J.L. Moens (1974), Het Buddhisme Java en Sumatra in Zijn laatste boeiperiods, T.B.G., pp. 522–539, 550; This tradition continues in predominantly Hindu Bali Indonesia in the modern era, where Buddha is considered the younger brother of Shiva.
During the pre-Islamic period on the island of Java Shaivism and Buddhism were considered very close and allied religions though not identical religions The medieval-era Indonesian literature equates Buddha with Siwa (Shiva) and Janardana (Vishnu)JL Moens (1974) Het Buddhisme Java en Sumatra in Zijn laatste boeiperiods TBG pp 522–539 550; This tradition continues in predominantly Hindu Bali Indonesia in the modern era where Buddha is considered the younger brother of Shiva