A longtime Henderson resident Roopkumar Raich, founder of the vitamin manufacturing company Vita Plus, is moving forward with plans to build a new Ashram in Henderson, creating what could become one of the region’s most distinctive spiritual and cultural landmarks. 

Raich established the nonprofit organization ASHRAM in February 2022. The organization currently operates out of Raich’s home, but he intends to relocate it to a dedicated facility on a 3-acre property he purchased for $300,000 in December 2020 near North Racetrack Road and Essex Avenue in Henderson. 

Raich, a disciple of Shanker Maharaj Dhankwadi, said the project reflects his desire to give back to the community stating that the “God has been good to me”. The Ashram will serve as a place for meditation, cultural education, and community gatherings. 

The proposed plans for an Ashram/Spiritual Center would include a large meditation hall, featuring statues of Ganesh, Dattaguru, and Navagraha. Additional plans call for: 

• A social hall with food-service facilities 
• A spacious outdoor patio for lectures and celebrations
• Living quarters for visiting priests and spiritual teachers 

The building is expected to be approximately 6,400 square feet, with an estimated construction cost of $1.4 million. 

To design the facility, Raich has contracted with Pravin Bakrania, a well-known local residential designer known for his contributions to major religious projects in Southern Nevada. Bakrania has played key roles in the development of the Hindu & Jain Temple in Summerlin and the ISKCON Temple in Henderson. 

As a veteran designer with experience on multiple projects in Southern Nevada, Bakrania’s responsibilities include subdividing the property into three one-acre lots, with the Ashram planned for the parcel fronting Essex Avenue. The Ashram remains in the exploratory phase, till the funding is scored. Once completed, the facility would add a new cultural and spiritual resource to the growing Henderson community, offering space for meditation, gatherings, and educational programs.