New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Kolkata on Saturday, spent the night at Belur Math - global headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission - in neighbouring Howrah district. There, he interacted with the saints and seers at Belur Math. "PM Narendra Modi is at Belur Math, where he is interacting with respected saints and seers," read a post on PMO India's official Twitter handle.

The Prime Minister, who had in his youth wanted to become an ascetic of the Ramakrishna Mission, but was asked by its former President Swami Atwasthananda to concentrate on jana seva (public service) instead, himself expressed a desire to spend the night at Belur Math. After attending programmes in Kolkata, Prime Minister Modi arrived at Belur Math by boat. He is on a two-day visit to West Bengal.

He was served prasad (food offered to god) comprising five fried dishes, luchi, rice pudding, sweets and fruits after he arrived there riding a launch on the river Ganges.

This is Modi's second visit to Belur Math after becoming prime minister. On May 10, 2015, a "deeply emotional" Modi had spent a few morning hours at the Math, praying and meditating.

On Sunday morning, Modi will participate in the brahmaarti and spent time with the seers before going to Netaji Indoor stadium for attending the sesquicentenary celebrations of Kolkata Port Trust.

He will return to Delhi after the programme.

(with inputs from agencies)