Like all other rivers, the Mahanadi too is revered one. It plays a major role in peoples life and is part of all the major religious functions and festivals. The water of Mahanadi is considered to be propitious for any occasion. It is thought that the water of Mahanadi has the power of converting bad into good.

The river Mahanadi has a religious significance, but in the smaller sense. It has a lot of devotees in Cuttack. Mahanadi does not have any particular Ghats but one can go to see it at the Hirakund Dam. Hirakund Dam is in itself a tourist attraction. Laxman Temple and Gandheswar Temple at Sirpur at situated along the bank of Mahanadi river and thus contributes to the religious significance of the river.

Sirpur is an interesting site, at a one-hour distance from east of Raipur. Sited on the banks of the holy Mahanadi River, and known as `Shripur` in primitive times, it was the capital of South Kosala.

The Laxman Temple here is believed to have been built in the 7 th century and is one of the finest brick temples in India, in good condition, and characterized by beautiful carvings and precise construction. . The religious temples like Vatayan, Chitya Gawaksha, Bharwahakgana, Aja, Kirtimukh and Karna Amalak are also situated close to Mahanadi River. Archaeological Survey of India has founded a museum in the temple premises, which houses a collection of rare statues and other relics significant to the Shaiva, Vaishnava, Buddhist and Jain faiths. Gandheshwar Temple is another must see spot situated on the banks of the Mahanadi River. There is a statue of Buddha very close to the earth, as well as lovely statues of Natraj, Shiva, Varah, Garud Narayan, and Mahisasur Mardini.

Rajim is another religious spot located close to Raipur, on the banks of the Mahanadi River. There are fine groups of temples, of which the main one is Rajivalochana Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.