 Clean, white "ash for the purification ceremonies is regarded as the basis of ritual life," which, "are essentially the rites proper to the tending of a domestic fire, for the temple fire is that of the hearth fire raised to a new solemnity".Hindu temples are known by many different names, varying on region and language, including Alayam, "Mandir", "Mandira", "Ambalam", "Gudi", "Kavu", "Koil", "Kovil", "Déul", "Raul", "Devasthana", "Degul", "Deva Mandiraya", and "Devalaya".A Hindu temple is a symbolic house, the seat and dwelling of Hindu gods.