There is a tradition that 12 elephants should participate in the Dasara procession. Now, Gopalaswamy is replacing Varalakshmi. Gopalaswamy which has the capacity to carry the Golden Howdah was not brought this time. It had little health issues and hence it lost the opportunity to be a part of the first and second batch of elephants that arrived in city.

However, it has now regained its health and in this background, Gopalaswamy was brought from Mattigodu camp last evening at 4.45 to the Palace premises. 

Now, including Lakshmi which was replacing Varalakshmi, there are 13 elephants in the list. Gopalaswamy was captured in 2009 in Hotturu near Sakleshpur in Hassan District. The 37-year-old elephant which has peaceful manners will be participating for the sixth time in the procession.

Gopalaswamy is 2.62 metres tall, 3.42 metres long and weighs 3,242 kg. Mahout Srijan and Kavadi Shivaraju are in his charge.