“Within a lotus wreath, surmounted by the Ashokan lions, the rod ofAesculapaeus the serpent intertwined”
The snake has been symbolically associated with the medical profession, since the dawn of civilization. Its origin can be traced in the mythology of the Greek who regarded it as a symbol of wisdom, virility and eternity. The snake was carried by Apollo and Mercury around a rod. In the form depicted in the crest, intertwined around a staff, it was carried by Aesculapaeus, the greek god of health and healing.
The same symbol is also found in Indian mythology. The staff is here called the “Brahmadanda”, the stick of Lord Brahma. The two snakes symbolize “Kundalini”, the fire of eternity. It was natural for the eternal symbol of the science of healing to occupy its place in the crest of Armed Forces Medical College.
