In the Sikh ideology and belief the number Five holds great importance and has brought a new sacred concept to the world and Sikhi itself.
The number five has taken such strong roots in the Sikh religion, that the gathering or appointment of Five Beloved Pyares' in a single entity is seen in the light of the Guru's own image.
Wherever fully sarooped Sikh in the full rehat, in the presence of the Guru Granth sahib make or take a decision or perform an ardas -that is seen as the order from the Guru 's own presence.
Thus accordingly, the whole of the Khalsa nation is also divided into Five regional centres. These centres are in the form of the five takhats.
Although Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself does not advocate neither says nor writes in any recognised historical or precedence form the necessity for the five takhats. However the practice and acceptances of the takhats has taken such a strong precedent and roots in the traditional that it cannot be now abandoned.
It is also according to this traditional idea, believed that concept of the takhats too commenced from the times of Guru Gobind Singh ji, although there is no reputable literature to prove this.
Post martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji conditions resulted in the establishment the Akal Takhat.The martyrdom of Gur Arjan Ji was a milestone and an open challenge to the Sikh rashter-nation.(Having read extensive documentation, I believe the concept of an independent Sikh nation also saw its concrete beginings from this period).The response given by the Sikh nation following the martyrdom of Gur Arjan Ji came in the form of the establishment of the supreme seat of the Akal Takhat- a direct challenge to the mughal throne in Delhi.
It is aslo well establisehd that gur Arjan ji had in hisfinal days called upon the Sikh masses in the form of the Sikh nation to bear arms and be prepared to take to arms for liberty of the faith,humanity and humane values.
It was responded by Guru Hargobind, by donning two swords-of Miri nad Piri and the kalghi (plume, or a crest) upon his turban contrary to the laws of the day where a non mohamndan was not allowed to have anything upon his head gear, that smelt of defiance.The ceremony of the gurgaddi to gur Hargobind ji was carried out with him seated upon the seat of Akal Takhat-the present day Akal takhat!
The present form of the Akal Takhat developed alongside the spread and establishment of the Sikh faith thereon.
What is the realationship between the Akal takhat and the rest of the takhats is the question that begs asking next.In simple language it can be claimed and said that the realationship between them is that of as the central government and the state governments!The differance is the states and the government realationship is based upon political leverage.But that of the Akal takhat and the other takhats is based upon spirituality and God.
In other words, the Akal takhat is the supreme and central takhat ,while the others are takhats of the regional centres and should work alongside in support of the Supreme Akal takhat.
The idea of the Five takhats is to unite and bring the regional areas , which were blessed by the Gurus presence and where the panth is spread ,together in unison and unity.The other four takhats have identified and clearly demarcated boundaries.
The Akal Takhat is the supreme panthic centre for the Sikhs worldwide.
There are some unspecified ares that are covered within the various centres, and the boundary lines are not clearly set neither cemented hard.The intention was offer centre to Sikhs in theior own regions.The Akal takhat is not confined reguionaly, it covers the whole world.The regional takhats should work under the guidance of the Aakl takhat, but often this is not so.There have been many controversies and contradictions and clashes, but most of these have then been reolved amicaably.But there is still much that needs to be clarified clearly and good precedents set, so uncessary controveries do arise.
Each regional takhat can issue Hukamnamas for its own regions, but these hukamnamas need to have support and agreement of the Akal takhat, though not necessarily an endorsement, which again leaves grounds for conflicts.
There is also precedent that no other takhat should create controversy or question any hukamnama issued by another takhat, and one which has been supported or endorsed by the Akal takhat.Ideally no takhat should issue any hukamnama without the agreement or authority of the Akal takhat.