India, May 1 -- A large 'Shivalinga' was unearthed during excavation work near the Mahakaleshwar Temple complex in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain, amid construction work for an event called Simhastha 2028, a massive Hindu pilgrimage gathering held every 12 years on the banks of the Kshipra River.

The discovery was made while heavy machinery was engaged in clearing land for the temple's expansion project. Officials said the Shivalinga was unearthed near the prepaid booth area, prompting authorities to slow down work and proceed with caution.

Akash Sharma, priest at Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, said, "During excavation near the temple premises today, a Shivalinga was discovered while the Bhasma Aarti was underway. Devotees described the darshan as...