ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES RAIPUR

ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES RAIPUR

All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raipur (AIIMS Raipur) is a medical college and medical research public university located in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. It is one of the six AIIMS healthcare established in 2012. The official logo of AIIMS Raipur presents the two serpents entwined around the Caduceus which was the Staff of Hermes (Mercury) in Greek Mythology. The staff is topped by a round knob and flanked by wings. The two serpents represent the pineal gland and the pituitary gland (which both look snakelike when uncoiled); the staff represents the spinal column; the knob represents the medulla and the wings signify the two hemispheres of the brain (the wrinkled cross-section of the brain has the shape and texture of stylized wings); the number of intersections of the snakes corresponds to the endocrine glands or the chakras. It is believed that the snake had magical powers associated with prophecy, dreams and healing. The Greeks also believed that the Gods appeared on earth in the guise of serpents. The Greeks, Egyptians and Hindus venerated the snake as the companion of Gods as the shedding of skin and renewal is emphasised as symbolising rejuvenation. The logo is amalgamated with the Sanskrit shloka - ‘आरोग्यम् सुख सम्पदा’ which has been taken up from the prayer of Goddess Lakshmi. It translates as ‘Hey Mother Lakshmi- Endow me with the blessings for my welfare, health and happiness’.